NEURO3214 - 01 - Psychopharmacology

The framework of the course includes: (1) Introduction to the principal concepts in pharmacology, such as pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and drug-drug interactions. (2) A brief review of the mechanisms of action of difference drugs in the central nervous system. (3) A thorough introduction to different classes of psychoactive compounds, including drugs used in the treatment of psychiatric disorders as well as psychoactive drugs of abuse. Special topics of interest will include the study of pharmacological treatments available for major psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, mood and anxiety disorders. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to define and discuss the principles of the pharmacotherapy currently available for the treatment of major psychiatric disorders, as well as the underlying mechanisms of drugs of abuse, and will be able to interpret and critically evaluate new findings in the field.