Psychopharmacology is the study of the use of medications in treating mental disorders. The complexity of this field requires continuous study in order to keep current with new advances. Psychopharmacologists need to understand all the clinically relevant principles of pharmacokinetics (what the body does to medication) and pharmacodynamics (what the medications do to the body). This includes an understanding of:

• Protein binding (how available the medication is to the body)
• Half-life (how long the medication stays in the body)
• Polymorphic genes (genes which vary widely from person to person)
• Drug-to-drug interactions (how medications affect one another)

Since the use of these medications is to treat mental disorders, an extensive understanding of basic neuroscience, basic psychopharmacology, clinical medicine, the differential diagnosis of mental disorders, and treatment options is required. Psychopharmacologists also must be skilled in building and utilizing a therapeutic alliance with the patient.

Who Qualifies as a Psychopharmacologist?

In a generic sense, any physician who treats patients with psychotropic medication is a psychopharmacologist. Physicians who have completed residency training after medical school have a high level of understanding and expertise in pharmacology, including psychopharmacology. Psychiatrists (who have completed four years of advanced training after medical school) have an even higher level of understanding and expertise in psychopharmacology.

Where can I find a Psychopharmacologist?

Please click here to find a Psychopharmacologist near you.

Although ASCP does not endorse any of the sites listed, we hope that these links will serve as a useful starting point for your information search.

Information on Mental Health and Illness

• American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: Patient information on children and adolescents
• Healthy Minds: Patient information from the American Psychiatric Association

Information on Medications

• Medication links for patients from Northern County Psychiatric Associates
• National Library of Medicine Medline for Patients (an agency of the Federal Government)
• Drugs.com

Advocacy Organizations

• Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperacttivity Disorder (CHAAD): Information on ADD/ADHD
• Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA): Patient and family assistance
• International Foundation for Research and Education on Depression (iFred): Information on depression
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Patient and family assistance
• Mental Health America (formerly the National Mental Health Association): Patient assistance and information

ASCP takes no responsibility for the content of other web sites.