General principles of psychopharmacology, an overview of neurochemistry and understanding of the use of psychoactive drugs are discussed. The focus is on the use of psychopharmacological agents in psychotherapy and their phenomenology.

CILO-1: Describe basic principles of neurobiology, psychopharmacology and pharmacokinetics. CILO-2: Describe major classes of antidepressant and bipolar disorder medications including hypothesized mechanisms, uses, contraindications, and research on effectiveness. CILO-3: Describe the main types of anti-anxiety and sleep medications as well as hypothesized mechanisms, uses, contraindications, and research on effectiveness. CILO-4: Describe main types of anti-psychotic medications including hypothesized mechanisms, uses, contraindications, and evidence related to effectiveness. CILO-5: Understand basic issues related using of psychopharmacology in special populations including children, adolescents, and the elderly. CILO-6: Describe issues related to medication compliance and discontinuation.