MH 206 - Navigating Health Care Systems

3 Credits

1. explain the four phases of how the body processes drugs.
2. describe the different ways drugs are administered into the body.
3. recognize that the main focus for all psychiatric medications involves neurotransmitters in the brain.
4. discuss the impact of side effects in drug therapy.
5. describe some side effects commonly seen in drug therapy.
6. recognize the importance of medication compliance.
7. name the seven drug classifications and what disorders they may be prescribed for.
8. identify the rules for administering medications.
9. examine the healthcare system’s role in mental illness.

There are no required texts for this class. However, a list of books and resources are provided should you wish to read some of them in future or during this class. It is expected that students watch the videos and TED talks on ‘YouTube’. Also, make use of the internet to assist you with assignments or to broaden your knowledge of course material.

Conduct of Course:

This is an online course offered over ten weeks. This course requires the students to be actively involved in online discussion and research and to watch videos and read articles to help facilitate exploration of the pharmacological therapies that are used for treating mental disorders. Students need to follow the dates outlined for assignments.

Because this course is on-line, attendance is demonstrated by keeping up with readings and assignments, participation in dialogue on the discussion board and completing course work and assignments to the satisfaction of the instructor.

In cases where illness impedes participation, the student may be requested to submit a medical certificate.

Content of Course:

1. Introduction to mental illness and medications
2. History of mental illness and the introduction of medication as therapy
3. Pharmacology
   1. 4 phases
   2. administrative forms
   3. considerations in medication therapy
   4. general information
4. How do we treat mental illness with drugs
   1. what causes mental illness
   2. common disorders of the mind
5. Attitude toward mental illness
6. What is a neurotransmitter
7. Side effects
8. Categories of medicines
   1. antidepressants
   2. antipsychotics
   3. mood stabilizers
   4. sedatives and anxiolytics
   5. stimulants
   6. cognitive enhancing
   7. substance abuse
9. Your involvement
   1. rules for administration
   2. supportive assistance
10. Naturopathic and alternative methods
    1. plants/herbs
11. 1. OTC
    2. vitamins
    3. lifestyle
    4. nutrition
12. Note on medical treatment oppositions
13. Conclusion

 

Course Pass Requirements:
A minimum grade of D (50%) (1.00) is required to pass this course. Students must maintain a cumulative grade of C (GPA - Grade Point Average of 2.00) in order to qualify to graduate.