Psychopharmacology, 2013: A Master Class

 This unique two-day course is designed for the experienced clinician. The conference will focus on emerging developments in the neurobiology and clinical treatment of mental disorders. Course participants will be expected to have had clinical experience, familiarity with the neurobiological and genetic contributions to psychiatric illnesses as well as an understanding of the basic therapeutic mechanisms of psychotropic medications. There will be considerable opportunity for interaction with the presenters.

This conference will focus on the following topics: An updated review of neurobiology and brain function will be presented, taking the attendee through neurotransmission sequence from neurotransmitter and synaptic function synthesis to gene transcription. The interaction between genes and the environment will be emphasized. The current use of antipsychotic drugs and mood stabilizing drugs for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder will be presented; new antipsychotic medications will also be discussed along with potential new uses for mood stabilizers. A comprehensive review of the neurobiology and genetic predisposition to depression will be emphasized along with the modern use of antidepressants based on the latest research findings. Treatment of Bipolar Depression will be highlighted. The neurobiological mechanisms of anxiety and anxiety-spectrum disorders as well as their treatment will be reviewed, including obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, PTSD, and generalized anxiety disorder. The neurobiological mechanisms of stress will also be emphasized.

The importance of the evaluation and psychopharmacological treatment of women's mental health issues will be featured with particular emphasis on PMS, perinatal, and postpartum disorders. The course will also include a review of the role of psychopharmacology in the treatment of personality and sleep disorders. Advances in the neurobiology and treatment of alcohol and substance abuse disorders will be discussed. The latest advances in child, adolescent and geriatric psychopharmacology will be emphasized. A risk management approach to presenting medication will be taught. Throughout the course the establishment and importance of the therapeutic alliance when prescribing all psychotropic medications will be underscored, as will the potential hazards/benefits of polypharmacy drug interactions.