Posts

Showing posts with the label dopamine hypothesis

Antipsychotic Medications and Herbal Supplements — Chapter 20 Summary from Clinical Psychopharmacology for Therapists

Image
Antipsychotic Medications and Herbal Supplements — Chapter 20 Summary from Clinical Psychopharmacology for Therapists Chapter 20 of Clinical Psychopharmacology for Therapists offers a comprehensive overview of antipsychotic medications alongside a timely discussion of dietary supplements and herbal remedies. This chapter explores the mechanisms of first- and second-generation antipsychotics and expands on the potential benefits and risks of using supplements like St. John’s Wort and kava in psychiatric care. With a strong focus on patient safety, side effect monitoring, and drug interactions, this chapter is crucial for anyone studying or practicing mental health treatment. 🎥 Watch the full video below for a podcast-style walkthrough of the material covered in Chapter 20: Antipsychotic Medications: Mechanisms and Classifications The chapter begins with a breakdown of first-generation (typical) and second-generation (atypical) antipsychotics. Both classes primarily target ...

Understanding Antianxiety and Antipsychotic Medications — Chapter 19 Summary from Clinical Psychopharmacology for Therapists

Image
Understanding Antianxiety and Antipsychotic Medications — Chapter 19 Summary from Clinical Psychopharmacology for Therapists Medications for anxiety and psychotic disorders play a vital role in managing complex mental health conditions. Chapter 19 of Clinical Psychopharmacology for Therapists focuses on the pharmacological strategies used to treat anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and related conditions. This chapter explores the mechanisms, uses, and risks of common antianxiety and antipsychotic drugs while unpacking the underlying neurochemical theories that inform their use—particularly the roles of GABA and dopamine . 🎥 Watch the video summary below to gain a clear and concise understanding of this chapter’s key points: Antianxiety Medications and the GABA System The chapter begins with an exploration of the primary classes of antianxiety medications : benzodiazepines, beta-blockers, antihistamines, and buspirone . Of these, benzodiazepines are most frequentl...

Understanding Psychotic Disorders and Schizophrenia — Chapter 11 Summary from Clinical Psychopharmacology for Therapists

Image
Understanding Psychotic Disorders and Schizophrenia — Chapter 11 Summary from Clinical Psychopharmacology for Therapists Chapter 11 of Clinical Psychopharmacology for Therapists provides an in-depth exploration of psychotic disorders, with a focus on symptomatology, biological underpinnings, and both pharmacological and psychosocial interventions. Rather than treating psychosis as a standalone diagnosis, this chapter clarifies its presence as a symptom that can emerge in a variety of psychiatric and medical contexts. Watch the full chapter summary above to better understand the complexity of psychosis and how clinicians assess and treat it. Be sure to subscribe to Last Minute Lecture for more expert chapter-by-chapter content. Defining Psychosis: More Than Just a Diagnosis Psychosis is defined by the presence of hallucinations , delusions , and disorganized thinking . However, these symptoms can be caused by many conditions, including primary psychotic disorders, mood disor...