Psychopharmacology

URL study guide

https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2024-2025/P_BPSYFAR

Course Objective

• Acquire knowledge about the functioning and the use of psychotropic drugs, about neuropsychiatric disorders and the neurobiological basis of neuropsychiatric disorders.
• Gain insight into (possible) pharmacological interventions for neuropsychiatric disorders.

Course Content

A lot of attention is devoted to chemical neurotransmission and the explanation of neurobiological concepts that underlie neuropsychiatric disorders and the corresponding psychopharmacological treatment. General and clinical information on the functioning and use of psychotropic drugs is discussed. Topics include both characteristics and treatment of several mental disorders, including mood disorders and antidepressants, anxiety disorders and anxiolytics, schizophrenia and antipsychotics, and alcohol/drug use and associated pharmacological interventions. In addition, some basic characteristics of 'cognitive enhancers' and 'neuroprotective agents' such as vitamins and neuropeptides are discussed.

Teaching Methods

Lectures

Method of Assessment

Multiple choice exam (including matching, filling in blanks, and ordering)

Literature

Stahl's Essential Psychopharmacology: Neuroscientific Basis and Practical Applications. Fifth Edition (September 2021). Cambridge University Press. (4th Edition also possible)