| Abstract: | Psychologists have been involved in psychopharmacological research and practice since the 1950s, although this seems not to have been remembered. Biodyne data on 1.6 million mental episodes from 1988 to 1992 document psychologists' involvement in monitoring and managing psychopharmacological medications. A large percentage of patients presenting for mental treatment were already taking psychotropic drugs. Medication usage decreased dramatically as psychologists diagnosed their individual conditions and initiated psychotherapy in addition to monitoring and managing medication usage. Relevant training in psychopharmacology should be an integral part of training of psychologists providing health care. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
