Course overview
The aim of this course is to provide pharmacists with advanced knowledge and skills in the pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment and management of patients with selected psychiatric conditions. Mental health conditions addressed in this course include affective and psychotic disorders; schizophrenia; anxiety and associated disorders (including obsessive compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder); substance abuse; depression and bipolar disorder.
The course will address the pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment and management of people with these conditions, providing an advanced understanding of the nature and extent of psychiatric symptoms and the identification and management of medication related problems. It will also address the role of the pharmacist in the broader mental health care structure in Australia, support services available, role of the pharmacist in primary care, and continuity of care between primary and tertiary settings.
Course learning outcomes
- Compare and contrast pathophysiology and diagnostic criteria for specified mental health conditions
- Apply the principles of evidence-based treatment in the context of best-practice
- Discuss the therapeutic management and monitoring of people with specified mental health conditions
- Identify medication-related issues in people taking psychotropic medicines and/or with concurrent health conditions
- Demonstrate advanced problem-solving skills to communicate strategies for issue resolution
- Describe the role of the pharmacist in the mental health structure in Australia