SOWK-399 Working with Psychotropic Medications
Please note that this syllabus is intended as an example only. It may not exactly match each session of the class offered.
Instructor: Linda McIntire MSW
Course Description
This topical seminar was designed at the request of students, who recognized the need for information and skills relevant to working with patients in mental health or other settings who have been placed on medications. As this is an elective course, the syllabus and content have been designed specifically by the students and professor. Emphasis is upon biological mechanisms, understanding medications by diagnostic groupings, and skill development, the three main objectives identified by students, thus these are the three units which will comprise this course.
Resources:
The Social Worker and Psychotropic Medication, second edition. Bentley, K.J. and Walsh, J.F.(2001)
Various diagrams, charts, glossaries, and supplemental readings will be distributed by the professor.
Course Evaluation
- Examinations (3) 25% each
There are three examinations in this course. Each will be preceded by a detailed study guide, which students will receive electronically no later than the Saturday prior to the guided study session. As is the norm, there will be nothing on the examination which is not on the study guide. - Medication Evaluation and Recommendation Assignment (15%)
Students will interview a “client” with the objective of assessing their needs, ascertaining relevant data for the psychiatric referral, and providing such information in a brief document. - Class Performance Grade (10%)
This will be comprised of the following:- 7 points for successful completion of Student Presentation
- 3 points for attendance and participation
Class Schedule
Week 1
Introduction to Course
Transaction of Syllabus
Read for next class period: Bentley & Walsh, Chapter 3
Week 2
Labor Day, no class
Week 3
Program Meeting at 5:00 p.m., Ft. Square Building
Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology
Read lightly for next class period: Kutcher, Ch. 4, Baseline Medical Assessment.
Kutcher, C. 5, Other Useful Baseline Assessments…
Sunday, September 14 - Program Party at 4 p.m.!!
Week 4
Pharmacodymamics
Pharmacokinetics
Specific Mechanisms of Action
Doseage Curves
Understanding Adverse Effects
Meet After Class: Courtney
Read for next class period: Bentley & Walsh, pages 71-87 (Anti psychotics)
Saturday, September 20: Receive Study Guide
Week 5
Psychosis and Anti psychotics
Presenter: Courtney
Etiological Theories
Adverse Effects, Chronic and Acute
Review for Exam I
Meet After Class: Rachel
Week 6
Exam I
Read for next class period: Bentley & Walsh, pages 87 – 99 (Antidepressants)
Bentley & Walsh, pages 230-233 (Herbs and Vitamins)
Week 7
Depression and Antidepressants
Presenter: Rachel
Etiology of Depression
Classes of Drugs (historical, MOAs, treatment and adverse effects, restrictions)
What about St. John’s Wort?
Efficacy with Eating Disorders
Read for next class period: Bentley & Walsh, pages 116-126 (Anti anxiety Medications)
Week 8
Fall Break, no class
Week 9
Anxiolytics
Understanding the Biology of Anxiety
Inhibitors – How they work
Adverse Effects: Acute and Addictive
What is “Mother’s Little Helper?” and trends in prescription rates
Self-Medication, abuse potentials
Receive Study Guide
Read for next class period: Bentley & Walsh, pages 101-113 (Mood-Stabilizing Meds)
Buelow, Herbert, & Buelow Ch.5, Pain and the Analgesics
Week 10
Analgesics/Narcotics
Mechanisms of Action
Adverse Effects
Drugs of Abuse
Alternative approaches to pain management
Mood Stabilizers
Diagnoses and Symptoms associated with stabilizers
Classifications
Efficacy – who benefits most?
Adverse Effects: Acute and Chronic, need to monitor
Week 11
Exam II
Guest Speaker, Alliance for the Mentally Ill (tentative)
Read for next class period: Bentley & Walsh, pages 128-139 (Psycho stimulants)
Bentley & Walsh, chapter 5, Special Populations
WEEK 12:
November 10
Stimulants:
Symptoms and Diagnoses associated with Prescription of Stimulants
Is it better assessment, or overmedication?
Mechanisms of Action
Side Effects
Risks: Long-term gains? Illicit value
Drug Use with Children
Developmental and Metabolic Issues
Off Label Uses
Social and familial issues
Read for next class period: TBA, general article on head injuries
Week 13
Traumatic Brain Injury
Types of Injuries and associated impairments
Drugs used to address symptoms
Other treatment options
Read for next class period: Bentley & Walsh, pages 216 – 224 (Negotiating with Health Care Providers)
Week 14
Assessing Need for Medication
The Referral for Medication Evaluation
Round Robin Interview: The Medication Evaluation
Read for next class period: Bentley & Walsh, Chapter 6, pages 175 – 199 (Adherence)
Bentley & Walsh, Chapter 7, Medication Adherence and Refusal
Bentley & Walsh, Chapter 8 up to pages 216 (Monitoring)
Receive Study Guide
Week 15
Assessing Effectiveness
Increasing Compliance
Medication Eval Referrals Due
Review for Final Exam
Finals Week
Exam III