| CODE | PSY5596 | |||||||||
| TITLE | Psychopharmacology and Trauma-Related Issues | |||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 05 - Postgraduate Modular Diploma or Degree Course | |||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | Not Applicable | |||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 4 | |||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Psychology | |||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | This study-unit will focus on teaching the students the foundational concepts of trauma-related issues, including the various theoretical paradigms, techniques and strategies. We will explore the appropriate research findings and develop an understanding of their application in the field of PTSD. This study-unit aims to provide a sound understanding of the principles underlying basic concepts in psychopharmacology. This study-unit also gives the basis of the therapeutic action of drugs in the various phases of drug action, from the molecular level to general pharmacological activity. It will also consider the mode of action of specific drug classes used in the treatment of mental disorders affecting behaviour. Objectives: The main objective of the study-unit is to present a basic overview of the foundational concepts of PTSD and to expose the students to the different modalities of treatment, including practical “how to” guidelines. It also aims to address the clinician’s psychological risks in working with PTSD traumatized clients This study-unit will also give the students a basic understanding of the therapeutic action of drugs, from the molecular level to general pharmacological activity, and consider specific drug classes used in the treatment of mental disorders affecting behaviour. Attitude The students will be asked to become aware of their own personal approach to trauma and to think about their own biases and attitudes which may hinder the helping process. Students will be encouraged to adopt a phenomenological approach to conceptualization. A de-pathologizing use of language, where the focus is on the individual rather than the psychiatric label, will be encouraged. Learning Outcomes: Knowledge and Understanding - Understand the different modalities of treatment of PTSD arising from the underlying foundational concepts. - Understand the specific drug classes and drugs used in the treatment of mental disorders as well as the therapeutic action of drugs in the various phases of drug action. Skills By the end of the study-unit the student will possess beginning skills in evaluating and diagnosing trauma-related psychological and psychiatric difficulties and will be able to apply different treatment methods. Outline: Trauma-Related Issues - Post-traumatic stress disorder: an overview of the concept; - Types of trauma: From natural disaster to political violence; - Epidemiological findings; - Post- traumatic stress disorder in children and adolescents; - Theoretical paradigms and perspectives; - Overview of treatment procedures and general treatment guidelines; - Specific treatment procedures for adults with PTSD and related problems. Part 1and Part 2; - Counter transference, empathy & vicarious Traumatisation cycle; - Vicarious traumatisation and the therapist’s professional development; - Addressing Vicarious traumatisation; - Post-Disaster Interventions; - Some Closing thoughts: ethno-cultural aspects of PTSD. Psychopharmacology - Introduction- definitions and general overview, prescription writing and legal requirements; - Drug actions and different drug formulations; - Clinical pharmacokinetics and therapeutic drug monitoring; - Adverse Effects and drug interactions; - Hypnotics and anxiolytics; - Drugs used in the treatment of psychosis and related disorders; - Anti-depressant drugs – TCAs, MAOIs, SSRIs, SNRIs; - CNS stimulants – amphetamines, drugs used in ADHD and obesity; - Analgesic drugs: NSAIDS, non-opioid, opioid, antimigraine, neuropathic pain; - Anti-epileptic drugs; drugs used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease and Dementia; - Drug dependence and abuse including drugs used in detoxification; - Drugs in special populations: elderly, children, pregnancy. Required Text: Trauma-Related Issues - Wilson, J.P., Friedman, M.J., & Lindy, J.D. (Eds) (2001). Treating psychological trauma and PTSD. New York: Guildford. - Meichenbaum, D. (1994). Treating post-traumatic stress disorder: a handbook and practice manual for therapy. New York: Wiley. Psychopharmacology - Rang, H.P., Dale, M.M., Ritter, J.M., .and Flower, R., (2007). Rang and Dale’s Pharmacology. Oxford: Churchill Livingstone.. - Iversen, L.L., Iversen, S.D., Bloom, F.E., Roth, R.H. (2009). Introduction to neuropsychopharmacology. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Bibliography Trauma-Related Issues - Rothschild, B. (2011). Trauma Essentials. The go-to guide. London: W.W. Norton - Joseph, S.; Williams, R., & Yule, W. (1997). Understanding post-traumatic stress: a psychosocial perspective on PTSD and treatment. New York: Wiley. - Marsella, A.J., Friedman, M.J., Gerrity, E.T., & Scurfield, R.M. (1996). (Eds).Ethnocultural aspects of post-traumatic stress disorder: issues, research and clinical applications. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association. - Wilson, J. P. (2006). The posttraumatic self. Restoring meaning and wholeness to personality. London: Routledge. - Yule, W. (1999). (Ed). Post-traumatic stress disorders: Concepts and therapy. New York: Wiley. - Bass, E., & Davis, L. (1988). The courage to heal: a guide for women survivors of child sexual abuse. London: Vermillion. Psychopharmacology - Bennett, P.N., Brown, M.J. (2009). Clinical pharmacology. 10th ed. Oxford: Churchill Livingstone. - BNF. (2010). British national formulary. London: Pharmaceutical Press. - Neal, M.J., (2009). Medical pharmacology at a glance. New York: Wiley-Blackwell. - Nestler E.J., Hyman S.E., Malenka R.C. (2009). Molecular Neuropharmacology – A Foundation for Clinical Science. New York: Mc-Graw-Hill. - Stahl S.M. (2008). Essential Psychopharmacology –Neuroscientific Basis and Practical Applications. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture | |||||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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| LECTURER/S | Maria A. Cordina (Co-ord.) Roger Ellul Micallef Janet Mifsud Clarissa Sammut Scerri Charles Scerri Doriette Soler |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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