Learning
outcomes:
By the end of this module you should be able to:
- describe the historical development of
psychotropic drugs
- identify the pioneers of the major
psychotropics
- list the classifications of psychotropic
drugs
- describe the placebo effect and the
importance of controlling for it
- outline ways in which medication adherence
can be improved
- demonstrate the principles and processes of
rational prescribing of psychoactive drugs.
Module introduction
Psychopharmacological intervention plays a
major role in treating patients suffering with mental illness.
The use of psychoactive substances has long
been known for treating acutely agitated individuals and those with
severe and enduring mental illnesses. Knowing the fundamental
principles behind the origins of psychotropic medication and its
current uses is absolutely essential for psychiatrists.
Confidence in prescribing is likely to be
gained through knowledge of the current NICE guidelines, as well as
awareness of adverse drug reactions and cautions, drug
interactions and comorbid conditions such as diabetes or cardiac
disease.
The use of psychotropic medication has changed
with time, so it is important for psychiatrists to be aware of the
advances in psychopharmacological treatments.
Learning notes
We recommend that you make some notes as you work through
this module.
The 'TrOn Notebook' facility can be accessed
throughout the module (allowing you to make notes on each page),
and these notes will be saved in your personal area 'My TrOn', for
future reference. However, you will not be able to print these
notes as one single document.
If you would prefer to make your notes in a
separate document you may wish to download the 'learning notes'
below. This downloadable Word document will allow you to keep a
personalised record of your learning, which you can then save
and/or print for future reference.
Download the learning notes document for this module