Advanced Psychopharmacology Across The Life Span

3 credits

This course builds upon the standards of practice from APNA-ISPN, AACN, NONPF, and APA. The legal, ethical, and therapeutic role of the advanced practice nurse in prescribing psychotropic medications for individuals with psychiatric disorders is examined across the lifespan. The evidence based prescription of psychopharmacological agents according to practice guidelines will be a focus in each class. The course will review neurobiology, the action of central nervous system medications, and the implications for ethno-psychopharmacology. Standardized tools to evaluate treatment efficacy and diagnostic criteria will be identified. Collaborative practice models, indications for referral, and monitoring to enhance treatment adherence are reviewed.