SWDS-321 : Psychopharmacology

Prepares the social work student to enhance and extend knowledge of psychopharmacology. Students will further develop their basic understanding of the study of and use of medications to treat psychiatric disorders. This is an elective course in the area of direct practice. This course can be taken after the completion of the foundation courses and the psychopathology course. This course reviews the historical, political, and ethical context of psychotropic medications in social work practice and provides a basic overview of neuroscience, pharmacology and psychopharmacology. The contemporary social work roles in medication management are debated and necessary skills for effective collaboration with clients, families and other mental health practitioners on medication-related issues are provided. A complementary focus will include the impact on people of color in the Diaspora from the Black Perspective.