Psychopharmacology – what is it?

by Lisa Frederiksen

Psychopharmacology is a term that appears in discussions with family members who have a loved one with a dual diagnosis. To answer the question, here is the definition from American Society of Clinical Psychopharmacology:

Psychopharmacology is the study of the use of medications in treating mental disorders. The complexity of this field requires continuous study in order to keep current with new advances. Psychopharmacologists need to understand all the clinically relevant principles of pharmacokinetics (what the body does to medication) and pharmacodynamics (what the medications do to the body). This includes an understanding of:

* Protein binding (how available the medication is to the body)
* Half-life (how long the medication stays in the body)
* Polymorphic genes (genes which vary widely from person to person)
* Drug-drug interactions (how medications affect one another)

Since the use of these medications is to treat mental disorders, an extensive understanding of basic neuroscience, basic psychopharmacology, clinical medicine, the differential diagnosis of mental disorders, and treatment options is required. Psychopharmacologists also must be skilled in building and utilizing a therapeutic alliance with the patient.

Who Qualifies as a Psychopharmacologist?

In a generic sense, any physician who treats patients with psychotropic medication is a psychopharmacologist. Physicians who have completed residency training after medical school have a high level of understanding and expertise in pharmacology, including psychopharmacology. Psychiatrists (who have completed four years of advanced training after medical school) have an even higher level of understanding and expertise in psychopharmacology.

For additional information, the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) offers “Patient Placement Criteria.”
Here is their product description:

ASAM’s Patient Placement Criteria Second Edition Revised (2001, revised 2004) provides a framework for placing patients with addiction disorders into proper treatment settings, both outpatient and inpatient. This new publication focuses on patients with alcohol use disorders, using the ASAM criteria. Chapters address pharmacotherapies and behavioral therapies for alcohol withdrawal and for prevention and management of relapse. Case examples bolster understanding of the recommendations made.

Other references specific to mental illness, include:
Bring Change 2 Mind
National Institute on Mental Illness (NAMI):  Medications