This course provides an overview of the principles and best practices for using psychopharmacology to treat mental disorders across the lifespan. Clinical uses, neuropharmacological mechanisms, risks, benefits, and outcomes of commonly used psychotropic drugs in the context of a comprehensive treatment plan will be explored. This course requires critical thinking and problem-solving skills to apply psychopharmacologic principles for treating chronic and acute clinical conditions across the lifespan. Part 1 of a 2- part course. Prereq: NURS 977, NURS 983 with a minimum grade of B-.