Patients and clients with DSM-5-TR diagnoses are often treated using a combination of pharmacological and behavioral methods. However, keeping up with the rapidly developing field of psychopharmacology can be challenging and time-consuming. Join Drs. Alan and Peggy Bloom for a lively one-day seminar covering the current state of psychopharmacological knowledge that is essential for professionals in the mental health field.

 

This seminar will update and increase your knowledge of the proposed neurobiological basis for major DSM-5 diagnoses, the effects and side effects of drugs used to treat these conditions, and the responsibilities of the non-prescribing therapist to clients taking psychiatric medication.

 

In addition, commonly abused drugs and methods for abuse prevention will be discussed. Throughout the day, case studies will ehance our discussion and examination of current drug treatments for mental disorders. You will leave this seminar with knowledge and confidence regarding effective and safe application of psychopharmacological agents.

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Objectives:

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1. Identify neurotransmitter systems and neuroanatomy underlying the biological basis for mental disorders including substance use disorders and the mechanisms of action for major psychopharmacological agents and other abuse substances.

 

2. Describe the therapist’s roles and responsibilities when treating clients prescribed psychoactive medications.

 

3. Build on your knowledge of the major classes of drugs used to treat mental disorders and for which mental disorders and other conditions they are indicated.

 

4. Describe the effects and side effects of various psychotropic medications, including antidepressants, antipsychotics, antianxiety agents, hypnotics, stimulants, and opioids.

 

5. Demonstrate a greater awareness of the abuse liability of drugs used in the treatment of anxiety, insomnia, pain ADHD, and “legal” highs.

 

6. Appraise methods for the prevention and pharmacological-assisted treatment of prescription drug abuse.

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Speaker:

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Alan S. Bloom, PhD, is Professor Emeritus of Pharmacology and Toxicology at the Medical College of Wisconsin where he taught psychopharmacology to medical students, nursing students and neuroscience graduate students. He earned a joint PhD in psychology and pharmacology and consults regularly with psychiatrists and attorneys in drug abuse and other pharmacology related cases.

Dr. Bloom has conducted extensive research on the impact of drugs of abuse (marijuana, cocaine, etc.) on the brain through use of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). He also directed research on the cognitive effects of chemotherapy drugs administered to women with breast cancer, commonly known as “chemo-brain”. His studies have been funded by the NIH and other national organizations and reported in an extensive number of publications and presentations. Dr. Bloom has served on the NIDA Center grant review panel and is an appointed member of the Controlled Substance Board of the State of Wisconsin.

Dr. Bloom is a strong and experienced presenter providing lively, information-packed seminars. He encourages the active learning of participants through application of the material in case studies and problem-based learning. In 1997 he was elected to membership in the Medical College of Wisconsin Society of Teaching Scholars.

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