Syllabus
Master of Social Work
SSW 627 Psychopharmacology
Credits - 3
Description
This course reviews the historical, political, and ethical context of psychotropic medications in social work practice and provides a basic overview of psychopharmacology. Contemporary social work roles in medication management are debated, and necessary skills for effective collaboration with clients, families and other mental health providers on medication-related issues are provided.
Materials
Learning Objectives and Outcomes
School of Social Work Program Outcomes:
Graduates of the UNE SSWO will demonstrate knowledge, skills, and leadership in the following:
- Practice social inclusion to enable people, populations, and communities to fully participate in society, enhance human bonds in the context of cultural diversity and ensure improved quality of life and equitable resource distribution. EPAS Competencies 2 & 3
- Engage in culturally-informed relationship building, being respectful of the complexity and diversity of contexts and circumstances. EPAS Competencies 3 & 6
- Utilize theories of human behavior, social systems and social inclusion when offering interventions with people and their environments. EPAS Competency 8
- Promote ethical reflection, critical consciousness and shared decision-making based in social work values and with consideration of the broader contexts of the world in which we live. EPAS Competency 1
- Balance the roles of helpers, activists, and advocates through collaboration with communities to build healthy and sustainable resources. EPAS Competencies 2, 5, & 6
- Engage as critical consumers and producers of research as it relates to assessment, intervention and evaluation of clinical and community practices. EPAS Competencies 4, 7, 8 & 9
- Practice person-centered and collaborative community partnerships across diverse settings. EPAS Competency 6
COURSE OBJECTIVES
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Identify and describe the historical and current ambiguities surrounding social work roles in medication management and effective collaboration with clients, families, nurses and psychiatrists as it relates to medication management. Program Outcomes 1 & 2 (As measured by Discussions, Journal Entries, Medication Compendium Wiki, Interview Reaction Paper and Self-Reflection Paper).
- Describe their conception of basic principles of neurotransmission, drug action, psychopharmacokinetics and the specific medication used with definitive psychiatric symptoms and diagnoses. Program Outcomes 4 & 6 (As measured by Discussion, Journal Entries, Medication Compendium Wiki).
- Understand special issues in psychopharmacology with women, children, the elderly, minorities of color and develop sensitivity to the family and consumer perspective regarding the use of medications in mental health care. Program Outcomes 2, 4 & 6 (As measured by Discussion and Medication Compendium Wiki).
- Demonstrate knowledge of medication education programs, techniques of medication monitoring, ethical / legal dimensions of medication compliance / refusal and the usefulness of applying problem-solving and social skills training to medication-related issues. Program Outcomes 4 & 5 (As measured by Discussion, Journal Entries, Medication Compendium Wiki and Interview Reaction Paper).
- Denote research findings and outcome evaluations of current controversies and future directions as well as research needs and gaps in knowledge in the field of psychopharmacology. Program Outcome 6 (As measured by Discussion and Medication Compendium Wiki).
Assignments
LEARNING ACTIVITIES
A variety of learning activities are designed to support the course objectives, facilitate different learning styles, and build a community of learners. Learning activities for each module include the following:
Readings and Multimedia:
Description: This course will use an array of readings and videos to present the important concepts in the various modules. The readings and multimedia provide the foundation and background for student discussion threads and written assignments.
Discussions:
Description: An important learning method in this course is student participation and interaction in the discussion threads within each module. Students are expected to participate actively and in a respectful manner. Please refer to Course Policies about participation for a full discussion of expectations.
Writing Assignments, Projects and Assessments:
Description: Writing assignments for this course include 2 papers, weekly journal entries, and weekly submissions to the medication compendium wiki. The Self-Reflection paper provides an opportunity for considering and commenting on the impact that pharmacology has had on the life of the student in order to foster an awareness of the role that pharmacology plays not only on the lives of our clients but on our lives as well. The Interview Reaction Paper involves dialoguing with health professionals, both social workers and non-social work professionals, about their experiences with medication and with compliance. For this paper, please take notes during the interviews to be appended to your final paper. For the notes and the paper, please remove all personal identifying information to maintain your interviewees’ confidentiality.
Grading and Feedback Method: Grading and feedback methods are listed with each specific assignment. Please refer to the Learning Modules for more information.
Weekly Grading and Feedback: The course facilitator will return assignments and other grading items (discussion boards, participation, etc.) to students within three days of the assignment due date. The course facilitator will provide weekly feedback about participation and performance no later than four days after the learning module closes. Feedback can be via email, within the assignment itself, or using the Feedback column in the gradebook.
Due Dates: Due dates for all learning activities are provided in the “Course Schedule.”
Grading Policy
The School of Social Work uses the following grading system for all courses with the exception of field education courses. Students are expected to maintain a “B” (3.0) average over the course of their study. Students with less than a GPA of 3.0 will be placed on academic probation. Students must have an overall GPA of 3.0 in order to receive their Master’s Degree.
Your grade in this course will be determined by the following criteria:
Grade Breakdown
| Assignment | Point Value | Percentage of Final Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly Discussions | 240 points (30 points * 8 weeks) | 24% |
| Journal Entries | 140 points (20 points * 7 weeks) | 14% |
| Medication Compendium Wiki | 120 points (20 points * 6 weeks) | 12% |
| Self-Reflection Paper | 200 points | 20% |
| Interview Reaction Paper with Interview Notes | 300 points | 30% |
| Total: | 1,000 | 100% |
Grade Scale
| Grade | Points Grade | Point Average (GPA) |
| A | 94 – 100% | 4.00 |
| A- | 90 – 93% | 3.75 |
| B+ | 87 – 89% | 3.50 |
| B | 84 – 86% | 3.00 |
| B- | 80 – 83% | 2.75 |
| C+ | 77 – 79% | 2.50 |
| C | 74 – 76% | 2.00 |
| C- | 70 – 73% | 1.75 |
| D | 64 – 69% | 1.00 |
| F | 00 – 63% | 0.00 |
Schedule
Course Dates: August 30, 2017 to October 22, 2017
All assignments are to be submitted by 11:59 p.m. EST on the dates listed below. Unless otherwise specified below, all module discussions and assignments are due the last day of the module or unit week.
MODULE 1
Orientation to the Course and History and Overview of Social Work Roles in Psychopharmacology
Dates: 08/30/2017 – 09/05/2017
- Readings:
- Bradley, S. (2003). The psychology of the psychopharmacology triangle: The client, the clinicians and the medication. Social Work in Mental Health, 1(4).
- Cohen, D. (2003). The psychiatric medication history. Context, purpose and method. Social Work in Mental Health, 1(4).
- Davis-Berman, J. Pestello, H.F. (2002). Psychiatric medication: Use, attitudes and effect in social work students and clinicians. Social Work in Mental Health, 1(2), 31-42.
- Farmer, R.L. (2003). Gender and psychotropics: Toward a third wave framework. British Journal of Social Work, 33, 611-623.
- Multimedia: The Myth of the Chemical Cure: The Politics of Psychiatric Drug Treatment
- Discussions: Psychopharmacology Discussion
- Assignments: Reflective Journal – Intro; Self-Reflection Paper – Introduction; Interview Reaction Paper – Introduction
MODULE 2
Basic Psychopharmacology – Neurotransmission, Drug Action and Psychopharmacokinetics
Dates: 09/06/2017 – 09/12/2017
- Readings:
- Preston & Johnson, Chapter 1.
- Bentley & Walsh, Chapters 1-3.
- Farmer, R. L. & Pandurangi, A. (1997). Diversity in schizophrenia: Toward a richer biopsychosocial understanding for social work practice. Health & social Work, 22, 109-116.
- Optional: Stahl, Chapters 1-4
- Multimedia:
- Brain Anatomy and Functions
- Dopamine Jackpot! Sapolsky on the Science of Pleasure
- Advanced Neurology and Endocrinology
- Discussions: Psychopharmacokinetics Discussion
- Assignments: Reflective Journal; Self-Reflection Paper – Submission; Interview Reaction Paper – Continue Working.
MODULE 3
Psychotic Disorders & Antipsychotics
Dates: 09/13/2017 – 09/19/2017
- Readings:
- Preston & Johnson, Chapter 5
- Bentley & Walsh, portions of Chapters 4, 5
- Optional: Stahl, Chapters 9, 10
- Multimedia: Schizophrenia
- Discussions: Psychosis and Pharmacology Discussion; Wiki Topic Sign-Up – Anti-Psychotic Medication
- Assignments: Reflective Journal; Medication Compendium Wiki – Anti-Psychotic Medication; Interview Reaction Paper – Continue Working
MODULE 4
Depressive Disorders & Antidepressants; Bipolar Disorders & Mood Stabilizers
Dates: 09/20/2017 – 09/26/2017
- Readings:
- Preston & Johnson, Chapters 2-3, Appendix B
- Bentley & Walsh, portions of Chapters 4, 5
- How Depression Affects the Brain
- Optional: Stahl, Chapter 11, 12, and 13
- Multimedia:
- The Biology of Depression: The Affects of Stress [sic.]
- Stimulating Serotonin Release – Medication for Depression
- Discussions: Depression and Pharmacology Discussion; Wiki Topic Sign-Up – Anti-Depressant / Mood Stabilization Medication
- Assignments: Reflective Journal; Medication Compendium Wiki – Anti-Depressant / Mood Stabilization Medication; Interview Reaction Paper – Continue Working
MODULE 5
Anxiety Disorders & Anti-Anxiety Medications
Dates: 09/27/2017 – 10/03/2017
- Readings:
- Preston & Johnson, Chapter 4
- Bentley & Walsh, portions of Chapters 4, 5
- Optional: Stahl, Chapters 8 and 14
- Multimedia: Stress: Portrait of a Killer
- Discussions: Anxiety and Pharmacology Discussion; Wiki Topic Sign-Up – Anti-Anxiety Medication
- Assignments: Reflective Journal; Medication Compendium Wiki – Anti-Anxiety Medication; Interview Reaction Paper – Continue Working
MODULE 6
Stimulants & Child/Adolescent Psychopharmacology
Dates: 10/04/2017 – 10/10/2017
- Readings:
- Preston & Johnson, Chapter 6.
- Bentley & Walsh, portions of Chapters 4, 5
- Floersch, J. (2003). The subjective experience of youth psychotropic drug treatment. Social Work in Mental Health, 1(4).
- Optional: Stahl, Chapter 17
- Multimedia:
- Dopamine and ADHD Slide Presentation
- Treating ADHD with Amphetamine
- Ritalin, Adderall, Strattera – ADHD medications
- A Common Mechanism for Treating ADHD
- Discussions: ADHD and Pharmacology Discussion; Wiki Topic Sign-Up – Stimulants
- Assignments: Reflective Journal; Medication Compendium Wiki – Stimulants; Interview Reaction Paper – Continue Working
MODULE 7
Personality Disorders, Dementia, and Psychopharmacology; Family Education and Medication Management
Dates: 10/11/2017 – 10/17/2017
- Readings:
- Preston & Johnson, Chapter 7.
- Bentley & Walsh, Chapter 6, 7, 8
- Bentley, K. J. (1993). The right of psychiatric patients to refuse medications: Where should social workers stand? Social Work, 38, 101-106.
- Stanford Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC)
- Optional: Stahl, Chapter 18
- Discussions: Personality Disorders and Pharmacology Discussion; Wiki Topic Sign-Up – Alzheimer’s Disease
- Assignments: Reflective Journal; Medication Compendium Wiki – Alzheimer’s Disease; Interview Reaction Paper with Interview Notes – Submission
MODULE 8
Complementary Alternatives to Pharmacotherapy
Dates: 10/18/2017 – 10/22/2017
- Readings:
- Dziegielewski, S. (2003). Complementary medications and herbal healing: A new frontier for counseling practice. Social Work in Mental Health, 1(4), 123-139.
- Bentley, Chapter 9
- Discussions: Complementary Approaches and Pharmacology Discussion; Wiki Topic Sign-Up – Complementary Alternatives
- Assignments: Reflective Journal; Medication Compendium Wiki – Complementary Alternatives.
Student Resources
Accommodations
Any student who would like to request, or ask any questions regarding, academic adjustments or accommodations must contact the Student Access Center at (207) 221-4438 or pcstudentaccess@une.edu. Student Access Center staff will evaluate the student's documentation and determine eligibility of accommodation(s) through the Student Access Center registration procedure.
Policies
Weekly Participation:
Postings to the discussion board must add substantively to the discussion by building upon classmates’ ideas or posing critical questions to further the discussion. For example, a posting of “I agree with what people are saying” is not sufficient. I will be monitoring the participation on a weekly basis, and welcome people to check in with me if they have questions regarding their participation. Keep in mind that weekly postings make up a significant percentage of the final grade. All postings must be respectful. If at any time you are concerned with a posting, please notify me immediately. Each week you will receive up to 30 points for participation. Please refer to the attached Participation Rubric to see how your weekly participation will be evaluated.
The majority of your participation this week is earned in your contribution to all of the discussion boards. Additionally, failure to participate in any of the group activities will impact your participation points for that week. Keep in mind, if the assignment has more specific criteria for completion, you should follow what is indicated.
All posts to the discussion boards should be completed by 11:59 p.m. EST of last day of the module as indicated in the “Course Schedule.” Any discussions that extend beyond that date and time will not be considered a part of the grade and/or assignment, but rather optional reading. Posts that no longer relate to the identified topic should be moved to one of the on-going discussion boards such as “Ask Your Instructor,” “Hallway Discussions,” or “Resources.”
Late Policy:
10% will be deducted from assignments for each day they are late IF the instructor has not approved an extension in advance of the due date.
Attendance Policy
Online students are required to submit a graded assignment/discussion prior to Sunday evening at 11:59 pm ET of the first week of the term. If a student does not submit a posting to the graded assignment/discussion prior to Sunday evening at 11:59 pm ET, the student will be automatically dropped from the course for non-participation. Review the full attendance policy.
Late Policy
Assignments: Late assignments will be accepted up to 3 days late; however, there is a 10% grade reduction (from the total points) for the late submission. After three days the assignment will not be accepted.
Discussion posts: If the initial post is submitted late, but still within the discussion board week, there will be a 10% grade reduction from the total discussion grade (e.g., a 3 point discussion will be reduced by 0.3 points). Any posts submitted after the end of the Discussion Board week will not be graded.
Please make every effort ahead of time to contact your instructor and your student support specialist if you are not able to meet an assignment deadline. Arrangements for extenuating circumstances may be considered by faculty.
Student Handbook Online - Policies and Procedures
The policies contained within this document apply to all students in the College of Graduate and Professional Studies. It is each student's responsibility to know the contents of this handbook.
UNE Course Withdrawal
Please contact your student support specialist if you are considering dropping or withdrawing from a course. The last day to drop for 100% tuition refund is the 2nd day of the course. Financial Aid charges may still apply. Students using Financial Aid should contact the Financial Aid Office prior to withdrawing from a course.
Academic Integrity
The University of New England values academic integrity in all aspects of the educational experience. Academic dishonesty in any form undermines this standard and devalues the original contributions of others. It is the responsibility of all members of the University community to actively uphold the integrity of the academy; failure to act, for any reason, is not acceptable. For information about plagiarism and academic misconduct, please visit UNE Plagiarism Policies.
Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to the following:
- Cheating, copying, or the offering or receiving of unauthorized assistance or information.
- Fabrication or falsification of data, results, or sources for papers or reports.
- Action which destroys or alters the work of another student.
- Multiple submissions of the same paper or report for assignments in more than one course without permission of each instructor.
- Plagiarism, the appropriation of records, research, materials, ideas, or the language of other persons or writers and the submission of them as one's own.
Charges of academic dishonesty will be reviewed by the Program Director. Penalties for students found responsible for violations may depend upon the seriousness and circumstances of the violation, the degree of premeditation involved, and/or the student’s previous record of violations. Appeal of a decision may be made to the Dean whose decision will be final. Student appeals will take place through the grievance process outlined in the student handbook.