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Syllabus

Master of Social Work

SSWO 627 – Psychopharmacology (Fall B 2021)

Credits - 3

Description

This course examines concepts in psycho-pharmacology, neurophysiology, psychoactive drug classification. Physiological, and psycho-logical aspects of psychopharmacological agents used in the treatment of psychiatric disorders are presented. Psychopharmacology with the geriatric population are explored. The parts of the brain affected by alcohol, marijuana, opiates, cocaine, and other street drugs are discussed.

Materials

Required Materials: 

  • Bentley, K. J., & Walsh, J. (2014). The social worker & psychotropic medication: Toward effective collaboration with mental health clients, families and providers (4th ed.). Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole.  ISBN: 978-1285419008
  • Preston, J. & Johnson, J. (2019). Clinical psychopharmacology made ridiculously simple (9th ed.). Miami, FL: MedMaster. ISBN: 978-1935660408

Optional readings:

  • Stahl, S. & Grady, M. (2017). Stahl’s essential psychopharmacology: prescriber’s guide. Cambridge, United Kingdom New York, NY: Cambridge University Press. ISBN: 9781107686465
  • Stahl, S. (2013). Stahl’s essential psychopharmacology: Neuroscientific basis and practical application. Cambridge New York: Cambridge University Press. ISBN: 9781316618134
  • Stanford, M. (2009). Foundations in behavioral pharmacology: an introduction to the neuroscience of drug addiction and mental disorders. Santa Cruz, CA: Lightway Centre. ISBN: 9781440472923

Learning Objectives and Outcomes

School of Social Work Program Outcomes:

Graduates of the UNE SSWO will demonstrate knowledge, skills, and leadership in the following:

  1. 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
  2. Engage in culturally-informed relationship building, being respectful of the complexity and diversity of contexts and circumstances. EPAS Competencies 3 & 6
  3. Utilize theories of human behavior, social systems and social inclusion when offering interventions with people and their environments. EPAS Competency 8
  4. 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
  5. Balance the roles of helpers, activists, and advocates through collaboration with communities to build healthy and sustainable resources. EPAS Competencies 2, 5, & 6
  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
  7. Practice person-centered and collaborative community partnerships across diverse settings. EPAS Competency 6

School of Social Work Program Outcomes:

Graduates of the UNE SSWO will demonstrate knowledge, skills, and leadership in the following:

  1. 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 & 5)
  2. Engage in culturally informed relationship-building respectful of the complexity and diversity of contexts and circumstances. (EPAS Competency 2)
  3. Utilize theories of human behavior, social systems and social inclusion when offering interventions with people and their environments. (EPAS Competencies 7, 8, & 9)
  4. 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)
  5. Balance the roles of helpers, activists, and advocates through collaboration with communities to build healthy and sustainable resources. (EPAS Competencies 3, 5, & 6)
  6. Engage as critical consumers and producers of research and evaluation applied to clinical and community practices. (EPAS Competencies 4, 8 & 9)
  7. Practice person-centered and collaborative community partnerships across diverse settings. (EPAS Competency 6)

Student Learning Outcomes

Student Learning Outcome

Program Outcome

EPAS Competency

Method

Evaluation
Identify and describe the historical and current ambiguities and social disparities surrounding social work roles and effective collaboration with clients, families, and other health professionals as it relates to medication management. Program Outcomes 1 & 2 EPAS Competencies 1, 3 & 4 Required learning materials including readings, videos, lectures with slides, and transcripts.

Full-class class discussion boards, Psychotropic Medication Forum, Interview Reaction Paper, Self-Examination Paper
Describe the concepts of the basic principles of neurotransmission, drug action, psychopharma kinetics and the specific medication used with definitive psychiatric symptoms and diagnoses. Program Outcomes 4 & 6 EPAS Competencies 2 and 3 Required learning materials including readings, videos, lectures with slides and transcripts.

Full-class discussion boards, Psychotropic Medication Forum, Journal entries, Interview Reaction Paper, Self-Examination Paper
Summarize special issues in psychopharmacology with women, children, the elderly, persons 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 EPAS Competencies 2, 3, 4 and 7 Required learning materials including readings, videos, lectures with slides and transcripts

Full-class discussion boards, Psychotropic Medication Forum, Journal entries, Interview Reaction Paper, Self-Examination Paper
Examine 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 EPAS Competencies 1,2, 4 and 5 Required learning materials including readings, videos, lectures with slides, and transcripts.

Full-class discussion boards, Psychotropic Medication Forum, Journal entries, Interview Reaction Paper, Self-Examination Paper
Discuss outcome evaluations, recommendations, current controversies and future directions on the field of psychopharmacology. Program Outcome 6 EPAS Competencies 4 & 5 Required learning materials including readings, videos, lectures with slides and transcripts.

Full-class discussion boards, Psychotropic Medication Forum, Journal entries, Interview Reaction Paper, Self-Examination Paper

 

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

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

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.

Written Assignments

Writing assignments for this course include 2 papers, reflection journal entries, and several weekly submissions to the Psychotropic Medication Forum.

The Self-Examination 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 compliance. For this assignment, you may take notes during the interviews to assist you in finalizing your assignment.

The reflective journals will occur in several weeks in the course and provide a prompt for you to reflect upon a specific topic for that week. These will only be viewed by your faculty instructor.

Grading and Feedback Method

Grading and feedback methods are listed with each specific assignment. Please refer to the course 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. 

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

AssignmentPoint ValuePercentage of Final Grade
Weekly Discussions32 points (4 points * 8 discussions)32%
Journal Entries15 points (3 points * 5 entries)15%
Psychotropic Medication Forum10 points (2 points * 5 posts)10%
Self-Examination Paper18 points18%
Interview Reaction Paper25 points25%
Total:100 points100%

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: Wednesday, October 20 – Sunday, December 12

Week 1: Oct 20 – Oct 26
Week 2: Oct 27 – Nov 2
Week 3: Nov 3 – Nov 9
Week 4: Nov 10 – Nov 16
Week 5: Nov 17 – Nov 23
Week 6: Nov 24 – Nov 30
Week 7: Dec 1 – Dec 7
Week 8: Dec 8 – Dec 12

All assignments are to be submitted by 11:59 PM ET on the dates listed below. 

All initial discussion posts are to be submitted by Saturday 11:59 PM ET for all except last week (in Week 8, your initial post is due by Friday 11:59 PM ET); all responses are due by the end of the course week. Active participation is encouraged.

MODULE 1

Orientation to the Course and History and Overview of Social Work Roles in Psychopharmacology

  • Readings:
    • Bentley, K. J., & Walsh, J. (2014). The social worker & psychotropic medication: Toward effective collaboration with mental health clients, families and providers (4th ed.). Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole. Chapters 1 and 2
    • Braslow, J.T & Marder, S.R. (2019). History of Psychopharmacology. Annual Review Clinical Psychology 2019. 15: pp. 25-50
    • 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.
  • Multimedia: Insel, T. Toward a New Understanding of Mental Illness
  • Discussions:
    • Introduction
    • Psychopharmacology Discussion (SLO 1; EPAS 1, 3, & 4) 
    • Video Discussion (SLO 1; EPAS 1, 3, & 4) 
  • Assignments: None due this week; Introductions to Reflective Journal, Self-Examination Paper, & Interview Reaction Paper

MODULE 2

Basic Psychopharmacology – Neurotransmission, Drug Action, Psycho Pharmacodynamics, and Psycho Pharmacokinetics

  • Readings:
    • Preston & Johnson, Chapter 1
    • Bentley & Walsh, Chapter 3, p. 53-72
  • Multimedia:
    • Dopamine Jackpot! Sapolsky on the Science of Pleasure 
    • Advanced Neurology and Endocrinology
    • Psychopharma Kinetics
    • What are neurotransmitters? Queensland Brain Institute
    • Psychopharmacology & Pharmacodynamics
  • Discussions:
    • Basic Psychopharmacology (SLO 1 & 2; EPAS 2 & 3)
    • The Important Role of Dopamine (SLO 1 & 2. EPAS 2 & 3)
  • Assignments:
    • Self-Examination Paper
    • Introduction to Psychotropic Medication Forum
      • Sign-up sheet made available
    • Reminder: Interview Reaction Paper – Continue Working

MODULE 3

Psychotic Disorders & Antipsychotic Medications

  • Readings:
    • Preston & Johnson, Chapter 5
    • Bentley & Walsh, Chapter 4, p. 86-98
    • Millana,M., Goodwin, G; Meyer-Lindenberg,A., Ogrend,S. (2015) Learning from the past and looking to the future: Emerging perspectives for improving the treatment of psychiatric disorders. European Neuropsychopharmacology. 25, pp. 599-656, Sections 2.1-2.2
    • Tost, H., Alam, T., & Meyer-Lindenberg, A. (2010). Dopamine and psychosis: theory, pathomechanisms and intermediate phenotypes. Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews, 34(5), 689–700.
  • Discussions: Psychosis and Pharmacology Discussion (SLO 2; EPAS 2 & 3)
  • Assignments: 
    • Reflective Journal
    • Psychotropic Medication Forum: Anti-Psychotic Medications (SLO 2; EPAS 2 & 3)
    • Reminder: Interview Reaction Paper – Continue Working

MODULE 4

Antidepressant and Mood Stabilizing Medication used for Depressive and Bipolar Disorders

  • Readings:
    • Preston & Johnson, Chapters 2-3, Appendix B
    • Bentley & Walsh, Chapter 4: “Antidepressant Medications” and “Mood Stabilizers”, and Chapter 5
    • Andre, W. (2020). Exploring factors influencing haitian families’ participation in mental health care in miami-dade and broward counties.
    • Dean, J., & Keshavan, M. (2017). The neurobiology of depression: An integrated view. Asian Journal of Psychiatry, 27, 101-111.
  • Multimedia:
    • Stanford’s Sapolsky on Depression in US 
    • The Science of Depression 
  • Discussions: Depression and Pharmacology Discussion (SLO 2; EPAS 2 & 3)
  • Assignments: 
    • Reflective Journal
    • Psychotropic Medication Forum: Anti-Depressants and/or Mood Stabilizers (SLO 2; EPAS 2 & 3)
    • Reminder: Interview Reaction Paper – Continue Working

MODULE 5

Anxiety Disorders & Anti-Anxiety Medications

  • Readings:
    • Preston & Johnson, Chapter 4
    • Bentley & Walsh, in Chapter 4, read “Anti-anxiety Medications” and Chapter 5
    • Fancher, T. L., Lee, D., Cheng, J. K. Y., Yang, M. S., & Yang, L. (2014). Interventions to improve adherence to psychotropic medication in clients of asian descent: A systematic review. Asian American Journal of Psychology, 5(1), 22-34. 
  • Multimedia:
    • Stress: Portrait of a Killer
    • NIMH Mental Health Medications – Anti-Anxiety Medications
  • Discussions: Anxiety and Pharmacology Discussion (SLO 2; EPAS 2 & 3)
  • Assignments: 
    • Reflective Journal
    • Psychotropic Medication Forum: Anti-Anxiety Medication (SLO 2; EPAS 2 & 3)
    • Reminder: Interview Reaction Paper – Continue Working

MODULE 6

Psychopharmacology for Children/Adolescents, Pregnant Women and the Elderly

  • Readings:
    • Preston & Johnson, Chapter 6.
    • Bentley & Walsh, finish Chapter 4 – read “Psychostimulants” and review Chapter 5
    • Jensen, P. Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. The Dana Review.
    • Zhang, S., Cain, D. S., & Liao, M. (2021). Racial/Ethnic disparities in the decision points of mental health service use and psychotropic medication receipt among depressed youth. Youth & Society. 53(4), 610-635.
    • DEA Drug Scheduling
    • Controlled Substance Schedules – DEA Diversion
  • Discussions: The Role of Social Workers and Special Populations Discussion (SLO 3 & 4; EPAS 1, 2, 4, 5 & 7)
  • Assignments: 
    • Reflective Journal
    • Psychotropic Medication Forum: Stimulants (SLO 2; EPAS 2 & 3)
    • Reminder: Interview Reaction Paper – Continue Working

MODULE 7

Unconventional and Complementary Treatment Alternatives for Mental Health Disorders.

  • Readings:
    • Feduccia, A. A., & Mithoefer, M. C. (2018). MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD: Are memory reconsolidation and fear extinction underlying mechanisms? Progress in Neuropsychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry, 84(Pt A), 221-228. doi:10.1016/j.pnpbp.2018.03.003
    • Philipps, D. (2018, -06-09T00:28:37.134Z). Ecstasy as a remedy for PTSD? You probably have some questions.  The New York Times.
    • Tambaro, S., & Bortolato, M. (2012). Cannabinoid-related agents in the treatment of anxiety disorders: current knowledge and future perspectives. Recent Patents on CNS Drug Discovery, 7(1), 25–40.
    • Villines, Z. (2018, July 27,). CBD oil: Definition, effects on anxiety, and considerations. Medical News Today.
    • Psilocybin and MDMA prove their psychotherapeutic mettle. (2021). Time (Chicago, Ill.), 197(23/24), 79.
    • Cameron, L. P., Nazarian, A., & Olson, D. E. (2020). Psychedelic microdosing: Prevalence and subjective effects. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 52(2), 113-122.
  • Discussions: Unconventional Treatments and Complementary Alternatives (SLO ; EPAS 4 & 5)
  • Assignments:
    • Psychotropic Medication Forum: Complementary Alternatives (SLO 2; EPAS 4 & 5)
    • Interview Reaction Paper (SLO 1-5; EPAS 1-5 & 7)

MODULE 8

Course Reflection (short week)

  • Readings:
    • Textbook: Bentley, Chapter 10
  • Multimedia
    • The Truth about Pharmaceutical Drugs and the Medical Industry – Part 1
  • Discussions: The Influence of Pharmaceutical drugs and Social Work (SLO 5; EPAS 4 & 5)
  • Assignments: Reflective Journal

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:

Information Technology Services (ITS)

ITS Contact: Toll Free Help Desk 24 hours/7 days per week at 1-877-518-4673

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

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/

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.

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 Online Student 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:

  1. Cheating, copying, or the offering or receiving of unauthorized assistance or information.
  2. Fabrication or falsification of data, results, or sources for papers or reports.
  3. Action which destroys or alters the work of another student.
  4. Multiple submissions of the same paper or report for assignments in more than one course without permission of each instructor.
  5. 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.