Brain Mechanisms of Psychiatric Disorders and Drug Actions

Though psychopharmacology is typically restricted to training in psychiatry, it is a fascinating and rigorous science with far reaching applications for many aspects of our everyday lives. Have you wondered whether depression is caused by too little serotonin, schizophrenia by too much dopamine, or anxiety by too much cortisol? Is all that true? What does the science tell us? This course challenges the assumption that this material is of use only to health professionals and basic research scientists through an examination of specific examples of patient populations, many of which may remind you of someone you know or have known. Finally, what about recreational drugs and commonly used drugs? Is nicotine a carcinogen? Is too much caffeine bad for your health? Are cannabinoids addictive? What is the difference between cannabinoids and cannabidiols? The course covers these questions and more.