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Call Us: 043 33 62041 | 043 33 62042 |     Email Us: enquiries@icps.ie  |      Ballymahon, Co. Longford

Duration: 10 Weeks
Schedule: 3 Hours per Week
Audience: Therapists, support workers, social workers, case managers, peer supporters, mental-health professionals without prescriptive authority.

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WEEK 1 — Foundations of Psychopharmacology

Learning Outcomes

  • Understand the role of psychopharmacology in mental health care

  • Recognize the limits of non-prescriber roles

  • Learn the basic principles of how medications affect the brain

Lecture Topics

  • What psychopharmacology is — and is not

  • Overview of the nervous system

  • Neurotransmitters: serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, GABA, glutamate

  • What non-prescribing professionals can and cannot do

  • Collaborative mental healthcare models

Practice

  • Brain-chemistry mapping exercise

  • Discussion: clinician roles & boundaries

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WEEK 2 — Antidepressants: Mechanisms & Clinical Uses

Learning Outcomes

  • Understand major classes of antidepressants

  • Recognize common therapeutic indications

  • Support clients in understanding treatment expectations

Lecture Topics

(No dosing or prescribing instruction)

  • SSRIs, SNRIs, atypical antidepressants (conceptual overview)

  • Mechanisms of action (conceptual, non-prescriptive)

  • Typical clinical reasons for use: depression, anxiety disorders

  • Expected timelines for therapeutic effects

  • Side-effect awareness (non-clinical recognition)

Practice

  • Case vignette analysis: understanding rationales for medication choice

  • Communication skills: discussing expectations with clients

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WEEK 3 — Anxiolytics & Sedative-Hypnotics

Learning Outcomes

  • Understand the types of medications used for anxiety

  • Recognize short-term vs. long-term use considerations

  • Learn safety awareness within the support-worker role

Lecture Topics

  • Benzodiazepines (conceptual overview)

  • Non-benzodiazepine anxiolytics

  • Sleep aids and insomnia medications

  • Risks: dependence potential, tolerance, rebound symptoms

  • Recognizing red flags and when to encourage medical follow-up

Practice

  • Anxiety medication scenario discussion

  • Supportive dialogue for someone starting or considering medication

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WEEK 4 — Antipsychotics

Learning Outcomes

  • Understand the difference between typical and atypical antipsychotics

  • Recognize common indications (e.g., psychosis, certain mood disorders)

  • Identify common side effects so clients can be guided to consult prescribers

Lecture Topics

  • How antipsychotics affect dopamine pathways (conceptual)

  • Positive vs. negative symptoms of psychosis

  • When antipsychotics are commonly used

  • Motor side effects (general overview)

  • Collaboration with psychiatrists and medical staff

Practice

  • Case scenarios: supporting a client adjusting to antipsychotic treatment

  • Safety awareness: what is routine vs. when to seek medical review

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WEEK 5 — Mood Stabilizers & Bipolar Disorder Medication

Learning Outcomes

  • Understand medication categories used in bipolar disorders

  • Recognize the difference between mood elevation and depression treatments

  • Identify common issues requiring medical attention

Lecture Topics

  • Mechanisms of mood stabilizers (general overview)

  • Use in bipolar I, II, and related conditions

  • Why mood stabilizers differ from antidepressants

  • Monitoring requirements (conceptual only — no procedures)

  • Supporting adherence and communication with prescribers

Practice

  • Bipolar case study: how medications fit into a holistic plan

  • Helping clients understand mood charts

Formative Assignment

  • Reflection 1,000 Words: “My perceptions of psychiatric medication.”

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WEEK 6 — ADHD & Neurodevelopmental Disorder Medications

Learning Outcomes

  • Understand the purpose of stimulant and non-stimulant ADHD medications

  • Recognize common benefits and challenges

  • Support clients in managing expectations

Lecture Topics

  • Stimulant mechanisms (non-prescriptive conceptual explanation)

  • Non-stimulant options

  • ADHD neurobiology overview

  • Managing stigma, misconceptions & client concerns

  • Holistic support (structure, behavioural strategies)

Practice

  • ADHD support-role mapping

  • Behavioural planning to complement pharmacotherapy

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WEEK 7 — Substance Use, Dual Diagnosis & Medication

Learning Outcomes

  • Understand the interaction of mental health conditions and substance use

  • Support harm-reduction principles

  • Recognize medications sometimes used in dual-diagnosis situations

Lecture Topics

  • The cycle of substance use & psychiatric symptoms

  • Conceptual overview of medications sometimes employed in addiction treatment

  • Risk awareness and safety collaboration

  • Supporting client readiness & motivational approaches

Practice

  • Dual-diagnosis case formulation

  • Non-judgmental communication practice

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WEEK 8 — Side Effects, Safety Awareness & Supporting Adherence

Learning Outcomes

  • Recognize common medication-related experiences

  • Understand the difference between mild vs. concerning effects

  • Support adherence without overstepping professional boundaries

Lecture Topics

  • Categories of side effects (mood, gastrointestinal, motor, metabolic)

  • What to monitor in a supporting role

  • When to refer clients back to prescribers

  • How to help clients talk openly with medical professionals

  • Myths & stigma about psychiatric medication

Practice

  • Side-effect triage simulations (non-medical decision making)

  • Supportive adherence coaching exercises

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WEEK 9 — Ethics, Legal Boundaries & Professional Collaboration

Learning Outcomes

  • Understand ethical limits in medication-related discussions

  • Recognize the difference between education and medical advice

  • Practice safe communication and multidisciplinary teamwork

Lecture Topics

  • Legal boundaries for non-prescribing professionals

  • Informed consent and client autonomy

  • Confidentiality & safety concerns

  • Collaborative care with psychiatrists, GPs & pharmacists

Practice

  • Ethical dilemma scenarios

  • Interdisciplinary communication roleplay

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WEEK 10 — Integration, Case Studies & Professional Practice

Learning Outcomes

  • Integrate course knowledge into safe, professional practice

  • Understand how psychopharmacology fits into whole-person care

  • Develop confidence discussing medication appropriately with clients

Lecture Topics

  • Case-study integration

  • Holistic mental health models (therapy + medication + lifestyle + supports)

  • Working with complex cases

  • Self-awareness for professionals: countertransference & beliefs about meds

  • Professional development pathways

Practice

  • Group case study presentations

  • Final Q&A and integration exercises

  • Setting personal boundaries & competency plans

Summative Assessment

  • Essay of 3,500 Words- Title TBC

PROFESSIONAL DIPLOMA IN PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY FOR MENTAL HEALTHCARE WORKERS- (LIVE ONLINE) 60 CPD POINTS

Description

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