PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
Basic knowledge of cellular and molecular pharmacology, neuroanatomy and neurophysiology
A written test (essay-based) will be administered at the end of the course. It will be based on 3 questions randomly chosen between all the topics presented during the course. Students must score at least 18/30 in order to pass the test
Knowledge and understanding (Knowledge and know)
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to
- describe the neurobiological basis of the main psychopathologies and their related pharmacological treatment
- specify the alleged mechanism of action of each class of drugs
- describe how pre-clinical evaluation of new drugs acting on CNS targets is conducted
Applying knowledge and understanding (Skills and know how)
Students will be able to apply the acquired knowledge to design and perform pre-clinical pharmacological studies on brain diseases. Moreover, students will be able to present concise, analytical, and objective scientific information relating to psychopharmacology in the form of essays, reports, scientific literature reviews, posters and/or oral presentations
1. Chemical neurotransmission
2. Neurotransporters and G protein linked receptors as psychotropic drug targets
3. Enzymes as psychotropic drug targets
4. Ligand gated and voltage gated ion channels as psychotropic drug targets
5. Methods in behavioral pharmacology
6. Methods in neuropharmacology
7. Psychosis (symptomatology, neurobiological bases, animal models)
8. Psychosis pharmacological treatment
9. Mood disorders (symptomatology, neurobiological bases, animal models)
10. Antidepressant drugs
11. Mood stabilizers
12. Anxiety disorders (symptomatology, neurobiological bases, animal models)
13. Anxiolytic agents
14. Compulsivity and impulsivity: obsessive compulsive disorder
15. Compulsivity and impulsivity: addiction
16. Marijuana
17. Alcohol
18. Psychostimulants
Stephen M. Sthal, “Sthal’s Essential Psychopharmacology” Cambridge University Press, IV edition
Jerold Meyer, Linda Quenzer “Psychopharmacology” Sinauer, second edition
Slide presentations used during lectures are available on the e-learning web site
The format will be lecture