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Alternate Methods of Teaching Psychopharmacology

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Abstract

Objective

This article reviews methods used to teach psychopharmacology to psychiatry residents that utilize principles of adult learning, enlist active participation of residents, and provide faculty with skills to seek, analyze, and use new information over the course of their careers.

Methods

The pros and cons of five “nonlecture” methods of teaching are reviewed: 1) journal clubs, 2) problem-based learning, 3) formalized patient-centered training, 4) games, and 5) the use of modern technology.

Results

Several programs are beginning to find novel methods of teaching psychopharmacology that are effective and well received by trainees and faculty.

Conclusion

Programs need to go beyond the traditional lecture and apprenticeship model of psychopharmacology education to help make learning more fun, useful, relevant and self-sustaining.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. San Diego School of Medicine, University of California, 9500 Gillman Dr., 0603R, La Jolla, California, 92093, USA

    Sidney Zisook M.D.,  Christine Moutier M.D. &  Trenton Moyer M.D.

  2. University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA

    Sheldon Benjamin M.D.

  3. School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA

    Richard Balon M.D.

  4. Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA

    Ira Glick M.D.

  5. San Francisco School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA

    Alan Louie M.D.

  6. University of Texas Medical School, Houston, Texas, USA

    Cynthia Santos M.D.

  7. Davis School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA

    Mark Servis M.D.

Authors
  1. Sidney Zisook M.D.
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  2. Sheldon Benjamin M.D.
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  3. Richard Balon M.D.
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  4. Ira Glick M.D.
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  5. Alan Louie M.D.
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  6. Christine Moutier M.D.
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  7. Trenton Moyer M.D.
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  8. Cynthia Santos M.D.
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  9. Mark Servis M.D.
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Sidney Zisook M.D..

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Zisook, S., Benjamin, S., Balon, R. et al. Alternate Methods of Teaching Psychopharmacology. Acad Psychiatry 29, 141–154 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ap.29.2.141

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