Syllabus
Master of Social Work
SSWO 627 Psychopharmacology – Spring 2018
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:
- Demonstrates ethical and professional behavior.
- Advance human rights and social, racial, economic, and environmental justice.
- Engage in anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion (ADEI) in practice.
- Engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice.
- Engage in policy practice.
- Engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
- Assess individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
- Intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
- Evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
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
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: February 28, 2018 to April 22, 2018
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: Wednesday 02/28 – Tuesday 03/06
- 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 introduced – no entry is due this week; Self-Reflection Paper introduced; Interview Reaction Paper introduced
MODULE 2
Basic Psychopharmacology – Neurotransmission, Drug Action and Psychopharmacokinetics
Dates: Wednesday 03/07 – Tuesday 03/13
- 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: Wednesday 03/14 – Tuesday 03/20
- 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: Wednesday 03/21 – Tuesday 03/27
- 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: Wednesday 03/28 – Tuesday 04/03
- 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: Wednesday 04/04 – Tuesday 04/10
- 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: Wednesday 04/11 – Tuesday 04/17
- 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: Wednesday 04/18 – Sunday 04/22
- 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
Online Student Support
Your Student Support Specialist is a resource for you. Please don't hesitate to contact them for assistance, including, but not limited to course planning, current problems or issues in a course, technology concerns, or personal emergencies.
Questions? Visit the Student Support Social Work page
UNE Libraries:
- Library Access for all students: Your library login ID and password are the same as the ones you use to log into Brightspace.
- Social Work Databases: https://library.une.edu/library-materials/find/research-by-subject/social-work/
- Library Questions: Ask a librarian or phone library staff at (207) 602-2361 or (207) 221-4330.
Information Technology Services (ITS)
Students should notify their student success team member and instructor in the event of a problem relating to a course. This notification should occur promptly and proactively to support timely resolution.
ITS Contact: Toll-Free Help Desk 24 hours/7 days per week
Phone: Mon-Fri: (207) 602-2487
After Hours/Weekends: 1-877-518-4673
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.
Essential Academic and Technical Standards
Please review the essential academic and technical standards of the University of New England School Social Work (SSW): https://online.une.edu/social-work/academic-and-technical-standards-une-online-ssw/
Turnitin Originality Check and Plagiarism Detection Tool
The College of Professional Studies uses Turnitin to help deter plagiarism and to foster the proper attribution of sources. Turnitin provides comparative reports for submitted assignments that reflect similarities in other written works. This can include, but is not limited to, previously submitted assignments, internet articles, research journals, and academic databases.
Make sure to cite your sources appropriately as well as use your own words in synthesizing information from published literature. Webinars and workshops, included early in your coursework, will help guide best practices in APA citation and academic writing.
You can learn more about Turnitin in the guide on how to navigate your Similarity Report.
Artificial Intelligence Use Policy
The MSW program acknowledges that using generative AI can be both helpful and potentially harmful in scholarly writing. It is unclear at this time what the impact of AI use might have on the ability to be published or engage in scholarly platforms. In alignment with UNE’s stance on AI use, the Program encourages students to acclimate themselves to ethical and appropriate use of AI. Students are required to disclose the use of AI for all assignments in the program during submission through citation (in alignment with many scholarly publications and CSWE) and publication notes. Assignments in the MSW program that require the use of generative AI will be labeled as such, with specific instructions. The use of AI for discussion posts is never permitted (including, but limited to, Grammarly) as discussion forums are meant to mimic live conversations. Students who are suspected of generative AI use, without citation, will be asked to have a conversation with their instructor to discuss AI use and to share their process and/or demonstrate their process. Failure to do so will result in a zero on the assignment.
Publication Note Example: Declaration of Generative AI and AI-Assisted Technologies in the writing process. Please outline the tool used (name, version, company), purpose, and confirm human review.
Graduation Requirements
Students with less than a GPA of 3.0 will be placed on academic probation. Students must successfully complete all courses with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 prior to graduation and fulfill all curriculum requirements.
Technology Requirements
Please review the technical requirements for UNE Online Graduate Programs: Technical Requirements
Confidentiality Statement
Student and faculty participation in this course will be governed by standards in the NASW Code of Ethics relating to confidentiality in sharing information from their placement sites and practice experiences. Students should be aware that personal information they choose to share in class, class assignments or conversations with faculty does not have the status of privileged information.
Late Policy
Individual Assignments: Late assignments will be accepted up to 3 days late; however, there is a 10% grade reduction from the total points per day 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% per day grade reduction from the total discussion grade. Any posts submitted after the end of the Discussion Board week will not be graded.
Group or Partner Assignments: Assignments that require partner or group work are expected to be turned in on time. Late group or partner assignments will not be accepted unless prior arrangements have been made with the course faculty. If you are having difficulties connecting with your partner or group members, it is your responsibility to connect with the course faculty for support. If a group member or partner does not complete their section of the project by the deadline, they will receive a 0. This will not impact the other group members/partner’s grade.
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.