Psychopharmacology Refresher: Psychoactive Medications (Online)
3 Credit Hours | $45.00 | Author: Glen E. Farr, Pharm.D.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced

This course provides participants with a review and update of the pharmacological agents utilized to treat mental health problems. Participants will explore the indications, contraindications, side and interactive effects of commonly prescribed mental health drugs. This course is intended to be a refresher course and is appropriate for participants who have been previously exposed to this subject either in the classroom or clinical setting. The course material may be downloaded and will remain a valuable resource for participants well after the completion of the course.

While eLearning makes every effort to update the information in this course on a regular basis, information changes frequently. It is the responsibility of each participant to check the most current reference material available to maintain the most current and accurate information for educating and treating clients. In addition, the participant needs to have a good understanding of the diagnstic criteria for mental health disorders as covered in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision. It is recommended that the reader refer to this manual during the course as it will enhance the learning process.

The on-line course material is presented in a PDF with pre-established bookmarks outlining the different sections of the course. Click on "bookmarks" on the left side of the PDF to access the course sections. If you do not have the most recent version of Adobe Reader, click here to download a free copy. You will temporarily leave the site until the download is complete and you close out of the Adobe site.

eLearning Essentials, provider #1123, is approved as a provider for social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) www.aswb.org, through the Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Social Workers participating in this course will receive 3 continuing education clock hours.

eLearning Essentials, provider # 6235, is recognized by the National Board of Certified Counselors to offer continuing education credit for National Certified Counselors. National Certified Counselors participating in this course will receive 3 continuing education clock hours.

eLearning Essentials, provider #RCS050601, is recognized by the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, Marriage and Family Therapist Board to be a provider of continuing professsional education (CPE) for social workers and counselors. Social Workers and Counselors participating in this course will receive 3 continuing education clock hours.

eLearning Essentials, provider # 50-8572, is recognized by the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling to offer continuing education for counselors, social workers, and marriage and family therapists. eLearning Essentials adheres to the Florida Board's guidelines and maintains responsibility for all programs. Participants will receive 3 continuing education clock hours.

eLearning Essentials, provider # PCE 4004, is recognized by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences to offer continuing education to meet MFT and LCSW licensure requirements. Participants will receive 3 continuing education clock hours.

eLearning Essentials adheres to the standards of each board and maintains responsibility for the program.

Course Objectives

• List the indication for therapy and the drug(s) of choice for the management of selected mental health problems.
• List the contraindications, side-effects, and adverse reactions associated with commonly use therapeutic agents.
• Identify the effects of sedatives and hypnotics on anxiety, stages of sleep, and insomnia.
• Identify the pharmacological applications of sedatives, hypnotics, and anxiolytics; including but not limited to the barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and non-benzodiazepine agents.
• Identify the pharmacological and clinical difference in the SSRI's, cyclic antidepressants, and MAOI's in the treatment of depression.
• Identify the pharmacological and clinical difference in the traditional and atypical antipsychotic agents used in the treatment of schizophrenia and other mental illnesses.
• Identify the appropriate medication in the treatment of anxiety, insomnia, OCD, psychosis, depression, bi-polar disease, obesity, and ADHD.
• Educate clients regarding their illness and medication, under the supervision and guidance of the physician, to promote and maintain client wellness.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Dr. Farr received his B.S. in Pharmacy and Doctor of Pharmacy degress from the University of Tennessee College of Pharmacy in Memphis. Following graduation in 1973, he was appointed to the UT Faculty and is presently based in Knoxville serving as Professor of Pharmacy and Associate Dean for Continuing Education and Public Service.

In addition to responsibilities to pharmacy continuing education offered throughout the State of Tennessee, Dr. Farr coordinates fourth year pharmacy students completing clerkships in East Tennessee, teaches undergraduate and graduate nursing pharmacology courses at UT Knoxville and at Medical College of Virginia in Richmond, and serves as a consultant pharmacist to a long-term care facility in Knoxville. In 2002, he received the University of Tennessee National Alumni Association "Teacher of the Year Award."

He is the past President of the Tennessee Pharmaceutical Association, was the 1983 "Pharmacist of the Year" for the State of Tennessee, and in 1997 received the "Distinguished SErvice to Pharmacy Award" from the Tennessee Society of Hospital Pharmacists.

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