Psychopharmacology in Clinical Practice

Psychopharmacology is the study of natural and synthetic substances (i.e., drugs) that affect cognitive and emotional functioning. Clinical psychopharmacology is an extension of this discipline, and involves the treatment of mental disorders with medication. Due to the many advances in clinical psychopharmacology over the past three decades, a number of mental disorders are now treated with some form of medication. In many cases, these pharmacologic treatments are used in conjunction with psychotherapy, and this combination of treatment modalities has grown increasingly common. As a result, the psychologist often is the primary therapist for patients being treated with medication. In outpatient settings, a psychologist may be the sole person responsible for determining whether to refer a patient for treatment with medication. We believe, therefore, that it is important for clinical psychologists to develop some familiarity with psychopharmacologic agents and the indications for their use.