This is the basic post-doctoral level biochemistry review for the Medical Psychologist. Introduction and overview of the biochemistry underlying chemical and physiological processes. Topics covered include: basic inorganic and organic chemistry, cellular organization and metabolic processes, nucleic acids, hormones, enzymatic processes, metabolism, and biochemistry of selected compounds. Other include topics as energy production, nutrition, glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, lipids, genetics, biochemical cycles and other biochemical principles important to human life. Materials focus on pathophysiological and pharmacological applications of this knowledge base.
The scientific reviews by NAPPP (see: www.nappp.org and TruthinDrugs Campaign), the WHO manual on Psychopharmacology in Primary Care, and the chief psychiatrist of the FDA science committee have all admitted that there are significant limitations of the efficacy relative to the pharmacological treatment of mental disorders. The FDA science committee chair issued a letter indicating that "no modern physician believes that a medication only approach to the treatment of mental disorders is an adequate treatment"!
In this section, you will gain an overview and general understanding of the limits of psychopharmacology approaches, some reviews of diagnostic group specific medication efficacy and side effect research, and the justification of "medication techniques in a larger comprehensive treatment plan". By the end of this course you will be able to do a scientifically informed, ethical, and specialty level "informed consent" component of recommending and establishing a treatment plan for patients with mental disorderes.
This course provides an in-depth introduction to Medical Psychology (www.amphome.org). It provides the teaching materials that are the foundation for the entire program. Your textbook, Medical Psychology Practice and Policy Perspectives, edited by John Caccavale, and with authors from the AMP Board, diplomats in the specialty, former APA Presidents and Governance and Committees provides a basic introduction to the specialty. Moreover, the wide array of subject coverage is designed to allow the student to begin implementing what has been learned upon completion of the course, should a student decide to do so. Topics such a short consultation and triage, cultural competency, and specific diagnostic groups encountered by the Medical Psychologist are covered in brief. Future courses will build upon this general foundation.
Medical Psychology: The practice of medical psychology is much more than psychopharmacology (which is a proficiency as defined by APA) and involves an awareness of and training in medical, psychological, and social factors that inform a broad spectrum of services including psychological diagnosis, treatment, consulting about the use of psychotropic medications, and prescribing of psychotropic medication within the scope of the practice of the profession. For a more extensive definition of medical psychology the student may see our coverage of medical psychology in WIKIPEDIA (click the blue).