Psychopharmacology is a specialized branch in the field of Pharmacology that deals specifically with psychotropic drugs. Psychotropic drugs are involved in mood changes, behavior modification, sensation and thinking. Psychopharmacologists study the psychoactive and chemical interactions of these drugs in the brain. Not only are these drugs used for modification of behavior in mentally ill patients, psychoactive drugs are also used as recreational drugs.
Importance of Psychopharmacology
Mentally ill patients are normally treated by a therapist and a psychiatrist. The two work together with the psychiatrist, prescribing the needed medication. A psychiatrist with training in Psychopharmacology is well versed in the medications and their actions. It used to be psychiatrists relied on psychopharmacologists to help prescribe medication. Lately is not uncommon to find psychiatrists trained in psychopharmacology.
Medications that affect the brain require prescription with sensitivity. Once a patient takes the drug, it enters into their bloodstream and eventually enters the brain. In the brain, the drugs act by enhancing or by interfering with the natural neurotransmitters found in the brain. These drugs have the power to destroy or enhance an individual’s life.
To study the drugs effectively, the drugs are divided into different groups based on the effect that they elicit:
Depressant Drugs: These drugs act mainly only the neurotransmitter GABA. GABA inhibits neuron activity. Depressant drugs such as alcohol and barbiturates act like GABA.
Stimulant Drugs: Like amphetamines, act on the neurotransmitter dopamine, creating the release of more dopamine. The drugs effect increases a user’s alertness and awareness.
Opiod Drugs: Bind to receptors that are related to pain, diminishing pain perception.
Cannabinoids: Are the drugs present in marijuana that act on different neurotransmitters
Hallucinogens: Blocks the release of serotonin and induces hallucinations.
Misuse of Psychoactive Drugs
Psychotropic drug usage should not be taken lightly, and people under the care of psychotropic drugs should never make adjustments to their medications without a physician’s approval. The physician and their team know how the patient responds to medications; they also understand extent of the patient’s medical condition. The psychopharmacologist knows the medications and the dosage required to exert the required effects. Patients or non-prescribing physicians who manipulate medications may run into the medication’s undesired side effects. A properly trained physician in psychopharmacology understands all these implications in terms of the benefits and side effects. Only they can determine the correct dosage that brings about the best balance between the two. Misuse of psychoactive drugs can lead to addiction. It is also very important to know the Psychotic Drug Interactions and side effects.
Psychopharmacology Journals and Online Books
Journal of Psychopharmacology is a peer reviewed journal that publishes articles related to the clinical and preclinical aspects of psychopharmacology. The journal is a forum for researchers and clinicians to find the latest research and news on the effects of drugs.
Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology publishes research into the different approaches to mental health disorders and drug abuse treatment. It is a journal put out by the American Psychological Association.
For a complete online textbook on Drugs, Brain and Behavior visit this website hosted by Rutgers University. The book covers some key concepts in psychopharmacology.
Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology is the leading journal in the psychopharmacology field. The journal’s articles cover a wide range of topics which include research on drug interactions, side effects, overdose management and pharmacokinetics.