Psychopharmacology 2500-EN-COG-F-39
This lecture aims to introduce the basic concepts of psychopharmacology. Initially, the following topics will be presented: the mechanisms of action of selected drug groups, including the structure and types of cellular receptors (affinity, agonists, antagonists, etc.), and the characteristics of ion channels. We will consider why some medications should not be taken with juice and which medications are likely to cross the blood-brain barrier. Subsequently, the basics of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics will be discussed, along with the issues of rational dosing and duration of action. Next, within the framework of neuropsychopharmacology, the basic groups of neurotransmitters and neuromodulators (norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin, acetylcholine, oxytocin, etc.) and their receptors (e.g., cholinergic neurons, GABA receptors) will be presented, taking into account the possible effects on synaptic and cellular processes associated with their action. The above overview will be followed by a presentation of the basic functions of the central nervous system (CNS), their disorders, and the effects of psychotropic medications on sleep and wakefulness, learning and memory (nootropic and procognitive medications, pharmacotherapy for Alzheimer's disease), and the functioning of the reward system (psychostimulants). We will also examine medications and their mechanisms of action in, among others, mood disorders, depression, and anxiety disorders (anxiolytic medications), the treatment of chronic pain (opioid analgesics), and the pharmacotherapy of mild and severe craniocerebral trauma (ADHD).
Learning activities:
Presentations, discussion based on the lecture content, and indicated literature
Learning outcomes
Knowledge
K_W01 Student possesses knowledge of the basic principles and mechanisms of action of various drug groups in the central nervous system (CNS).
Skills
K_U01 Student understands the possible specific effects of the individual drug groups on the CNS at various possible stages of diagnosis and rehabilitation, e.g., neuropsychological.
Social Competencies
K_K01 Student critically analyzes media and mass media content regarding the ease of taking medications and psychoactive substances.
K_K02 K0 Student critically analyzes media and mass media content regarding the fact that psychopharmacological intervention should be tailored according to individual requirements under the doctor’s supervision.
Assessment criteria
To pass the course, students are obligated to write a multiple-choice test, with a minimum of 51% of correct answers required.
a) Assessment methods
To pass the course, students are required to achieve a minimum of 51% correct answers on a multiple-choice test.
a) Components of the final grade and their weights: exam 100%
b) Grading scale
over 50%: 3
over 60%: 3+
over 70%: 4,
over 80%: 4+
over 90%: 5
c) Requirements for retaking the assessment: the retake is only for those who fail the original exam
d) Exams in the exam session – does not apply
i) Requirements for taking the exam
ii) Possibility (and requirements) for retaking the exam in case of a positive grade
iii) Early Exam Session (“Zerówka”)
Attendance rules:
Two unexcused absences are allowed. Any absence above this has to be excused. With more than four absences student fails the course.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: