Basic Psychopharmacology Principles: A Quick Guide for Mental Health
Professionals introduces students to basic concepts of
psychopharmacology to help them develop a broad understanding of drugs
and how they work in the body. Students learn the risks and benefits of
psychotropic medications, how to identify side effects and adverse
reactions, basic lab testing procedures, and how to apply
pharmacological concepts to patient education and advocacy.
Part I of the guide familiarizes students with basic principles of
pharmacology including drug types, the structure and function of the
central nervous system, fundamental pharmacological concepts, and an
overview of adrenergic and cholinergic neuronal systems. Part II
discusses patient diagnosis and treatment, as well as biological markers
and diagnostic testing. Part III dives deeper into clinical
psychopharmacology, addressing how psychotropic medications interact
with depression, psychosis, anxiety, trauma, pregnancy, and more. The
guide concludes with a section on clinical considerations in which
students are encouraged to apply biopsychosocial assessments and analyze
clinical cases using the biopsychopharmacological model.
Written for future clinicians who will not prescribe medication but
would benefit from a working knowledge of psychopharmacological
interventions, Basic Psychopharmacology Principles is ideal for
courses in social work, psychology, counseling, and marriage and family
therapy.
Kimberly Finney is a board certified clinical psychologist and a
clinical associate professor in the Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social
Work at the University of Southern California. She is also a retired
United States Air Force officer, who served as the director of Mental
Health Services, a flight commander, and an Air Force Space Command
mental health consultant. Dr. Finney was one of four Air Force
psychologists--and one of approximately 150 psychologists
nationwide--credentialed to prescribe medications for the treatment of
psychological disorders. She holds a Psy.D. in clinical psychology from
Wright State University and a post-doctoral master of science in
psychopharmacology from Nova Southeastern University.
