131 Psychotropic Medications

© 2014

Schools:  Mid level: Mental health care

Healthcare Facilities:  Orientation psych unit; all healthcare staff orientation/annual update (applies to general acute care as well as psychiatric facilities)

Individual program learning objectives

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1. Explain the role of neurotransmitters in the nervous system.
2. Describe the range of behaviors and symptoms that should be taken into consideration when assessing for mental illnesses.
3. Explain why a presumptive diagnosis requires multiple indicators and persistence of indicative behaviors.
4. Describe the therapeutic communication techniques in caring for patients with mental illness.
5. Discuss the significant issues that must be addressed during the initiation of intervention.
6. Describe the main classifications of psychotropic medications, including uses in treatment and side effects.
7. Describe the various non-pharmaceutical therapies utilized for the treatment of mental health disorders.
8. State what is required for overall good care of patients with mental health disorders.

131.2 Antipsychotic Agents (24 min.)

1. List some of the theories on the causes of schizophrenia.
2. Differentiate between the positive and negative signs of the disorder.
3. Explain how cognitive deficits are manifested in an individual with schizophrenia.
4. Compare and contrast the characteristics of schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.
5. Discuss the difficulties in assessing individuals with schizophrenia.
6. Describe the difference between the first and second-generation psychotropic medications used in the management of schizophrenia including their indications for use, actions within the brain and/or neurotransmitters, metabolism, impact on bodily systems, and sSide effects.
7. Identify motor side effects that are related to medications prescribed for schizophrenia.
8. State what patient/family education is needed for individuals taking psychotropic drugs.

131.3 Mood Stabilizing Agents (24 min.)

1. Upon completion of this program, the learner will be able to:
2. List the signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder.
3. Compare and contrast Bipolar Disorder 1 and Bipolar Disorder 2.
4. Outline the different categories of medications used in the management of bipolar disorders.
5. Describe their mechanisms of action on the brain.
6. Identify how other systems of the body or organs can be impacted by these drugs.
7. State which laboratory tests should be done to assess the drug’s impact on the body.
8. Recognize the side effects associated with these medications.
9. Explain how some of these side effects may be minimized.

131.4 Antidepressant Agents (24 min.)

1. List the most common signs and symptoms of depression.
2. Describe methods a healthcare professional can use to perform an assessment on an individual suffering from depression.
3. Explain some theories on the pathophysiology of depression.
4. Identify why each of the four categories of medications - tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and multiple mechanism antidepressants - is prescribed.
5. Discuss their mechanisms of action.
6. State possible side effects.

131.5 Antianxiety Agents (25 min.)

1. List the signs and symptoms of generalized anxiety, panic disorder, phobic disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
2. Discuss the pharmacologic treatment options available for each of these anxiety disorders.
3. Outline the side effects of the classes of medications used to treat anxiety disorders.
4. Explain precautions that need to be taken when prescribing specific medications to mitigate the symptoms of anxiety disorders.
5. State the value of psychotherapy or counseling for individuals with anxiety disorders.