Psychotropic Drugs - What Counsellors Should Know

The symptoms your client is presenting - are they due to the underlying psychological condition, or to prescribed drugs, 'over the counter' medicines purchases or to 'street' or 'club' drugs?

This presentation outlines the pharmacology of the main groups of commonly prescribed

psychotropic drugs and will include the following topics:

Modes of action, choice of drug, management, indications, dosage, overdosage, withdrawal

issues, interactions

Objectives

The presentation should provide a foundation for ongoing self directed learning, aimed at

meeting some of the specific recommendations of the Kennedy Report, "Broadening the notion

of professional competence" of healthcare professionals. These include

1. Improving skills in communicating with clients and with colleagues

2. Enabling participants to collaborate in multi-professional teams in order to learn and

develop together

Outcomes

After the presentation, participants should have

1. A basic understanding of the mode of action of the principal groups of psychotropic

drugs

2. An appreciation of how these drugs may affect their clients' psychological outlook

3. Increased confidence in communicating more effectively with clients and fellow

healthcare professionals

Attendance Certificates provided for each presentation.