Psychopharmacology

At the end of the course, students should be able to: 1. explain the basic principles of psychopharmacology; 2. describe brain and nerve anatomy; 3. identify the various neurotransmitters in CNS and describe their distribution, receptor types and roles in pathologies of psychiatric disorders and impact on psychotropic drug use; 4. explain the concepts of substance abuse, addictive behaviour and substance dependence; 5. discuss the types and mechanisms of Drug Tolerance; 6. explain the physiological, psychological and sociological factors of drug abuse and addiction; 7. list the major categories of psychoactive drugs, and describe their effects, methods of use, and potential for addiction and dependence; 8. identify classes and schedules of drugs of addiction (Depressants and Stimulants); and 9. explain the principles, strategy and pharmacology of drug abuse prevention and treatment.

Introduction: Definition and basic principles of Psychopharmacology (chemical neurotransmission, transporters, receptors (classes (amines, amino acids, neuropeptides, peptide hormones and gases, their subclasses and distribution in CNS,), receptor types (ionotropic and metabotropic) ion channels and enzymes as targets of psychopharmacological drug action. Roles of the receptors in pathologies and treatment of psychiatric disorders (Myasthenia gravis, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Schizophrenia Epilepsy, Depression and many others. Developmental Psychopharmacology (Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) and other membrane phenomena). Nutritional Psychopharmacology. Drug tolerance (definition, types (metabolic, functional) and other drug effects (cross tolerance, sensitization, withdrawal symptoms); Drug abuse (causative factors (social, environmental and physiological) and drug Addiction, Classes of psychotropic drugs (analgesics (opiates, cannabinoids), alcohol (alcoholism and Korsakoff’s syndrome), Stimulants (nicotine, cocaine, amphetamine), Hallucinogens (LSD, phencyclidine, peyote and mushrooms) and Recreational drugs (Ecstasy and many others), their effects, methods of use, and potential for addiction and dependence. Drug abuse prevention and treatment (detoxification, use of agonists (methadone), anti-craving medication (naltrexone) and immunisation (production of antibodies that remove abused drug from circulation) modalities. Applicable national and international laws and acts governing control drugs.