Psychopharmacology in introduction with classification

1. PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
MS.POOJA SEN
NURSING LECTURER ( MHN)

2. INTRODUCTION
 The middle of the 20th centaury identifies as an important period in the treatment of psychiatric
illness…phenothiazine was introduced first time in US for the treatment of mental disorder, before this is was
used as a preoperative medication in Paris.
 In past mental illness was considered as supernatural causes ,so these patients were often mistreated.
 In 18th Cent. “Moral Reform” in the treatment of mentally ill patient began. This resulted in the establishment of
state & community level hospital were custodial care was provided. Provision of food & shelter was made with
little hope for regain health.
 In early part of the 20th Cent. Some somatic therapies were emerged for the treatment of psychiatric patients
like insulin therapy, Ice bath, electroconvulsive therapy.
 Before 1950 sedatives & amphetamines were only available as psychotropic medications.
 Since 1950 the development of psychopharmacology extended and widespread use of antipsychotic ,
antidepressants & anti anxiety medications were incorporated for the treatment of psychotic patients.
 Nurses must understand the legal implication associated with the use of psychotropic medications , client has
right to refuse the treatment ,even through the law differs from state to sate. In emergency condition

3. DEFINITION
 Psychotropic drug is any drug that has primary effects on behavior,
experiences or other psychological functions.
 Psychotropic medication or psychoactive medication also defined as
chemical that affects the brain & nervous system after feeling & emotion .
These drugs also affect the consciousness in various ways. A broad range of
these drugs used in emotional & mental illness.
 Psychopharmacology is the study of the drugs used to treat psychiatric
disorder.

4. DEFINITION
 Psychopharmacology is the scientific study of the effects of drugs on mood,
sensations, thinking & behavior.
 According to Chaplin 1975- psychopharmacology refers to the use of drugs
in the treatment of mental disorders.
 According to Rebber 1987 – Psychopharmacology refers to any forms of
psychotherapy that treats behavioral & mental disorders with the help of
drugs and chemicals.

5. TERMINOLOGIES
 Efficacy – It refers to maximum therapeutic effect that a drug can achieve.
 Potency – It describes the amount of the drug needed to achieve the maximum effect.
 Half life- It is the time it takes for half of the drug to be removed from the blood stream.
 Agonist – drugs that activates receptors .
 Antagonist – drugs that block receptors.
 Neurotransmitter- are the chemical messengers that travel from one brain cell to another
and synthesized by enzyme from certain dietary amino acids precursors.
 Receptors- are molecules situated on the cell membrane that are binding sites for
neurotransmitters.

6. NEUROTRANSMITERS

7. AN IDEAL PSYCHOTROPIC DRUGS
 It should cure the underlying pathology causing the disorders and symptoms.
 It should benefit all the patients suffering from that disorders.
 It should have no side effect or toxicity in the therapeutic range.
 It should have rapid onset of action.
 There should be dependence on the drugs & no withdrawal symptoms on stopping of
drugs.
 There should be no tolerance to the drugs so that same dose effective for long duration of
time.
 It should not be lethal in over dose.
 It can be given in both inpatient & outpatient settings.

8. GENERAL GUIDELINES REGARDING DRUG
ADMINISTARTION IN PSYCHIATRY
 The nurse should not administer any drug unless there is a written order, do not
hesitate to consult the doctor when in doubt and medication.
 All medication given must be charted on the patients case record sheet.
 Always address the patient by name & make certain of his identification.
 Do not leave the patient until the drug is swallowed.
 Do not permit the patient to go to the bathroom to take medication.
 Do not allow one patient to carry medicine to another.
 If it is necessary to leave the patient to get water ,do not leave the tray with in the
reach of the patient.

9. GENERAL GUIDELINES REGARDING DRUG
ADMINISTARTION IN PSYCHIATRY
 Do not force oral medication because of the danger of aspiration, this is especially
important in stupors conditions.
 Check drugs daily for any changes in color ,Oduor and number.
 Bottle should be tightly closed & labelled. Label should be written legibly & in bold
lettering. Poison drugs are to be legibly labelled & to be kept in separate cupboard.
 Make sure that an adequate supply of drugs is on hand, but do not overstock.
 Make sure no patient has access to the drug cupboard.
 Drug cupboard should always be kept locked when not in use. Never allow a patient or
worker to clean the drug cupboard, the drug cupboard keys should not be given to
patient.

10. PATIENT EDUCATION RELATED TO
PSHCYOPARMACOLOGY
 Nurses assess for drugs side effects, evaluate desired effect & make decisions about
medications.
 Nurses must understand general principles of psychopharmacology & have specific
knowledge related to psychotropic medications.
 Patients & family must be taught to discuss the effects of the addition of over the counter
drugs, alcohol & illegal drugs to currently prescribed drugs.
 Discuss about abrupt effect of psychotropic drugs because some drugs cause sedation or
drowsiness.
 Pregnant or breast feeding patients have special risks associated with psychotropic drugs
therapy, special instructions should be provided.

11. CLASSIFICATION
1. ANTIPSYCHOTIC DRUGS
5. ANTABUSE DRUGS
4. ANXIOLYTIC & HYPNOSEDATIVE
7. ANTI PARKINSONIAN DRUGS
6. ANTI CARVING DRUGS
2. ANTIDEPRESSANTS DRUGS
3.MOOD STABLIZER/ANTIMANIC
8. DRUGS USED IN CHILD