This two-program series covers preventing adverse drug reactions and understanding movement disorders caused by psychotropic drugs.

PREVENTING ADVERSE DRUG REACTIONS
Addresses the tragic and costly phenomenon of adverse drug reactions in the field of mental health treatment. Explores the various disorders that can arise from the use of psychotropic medications including neuroleptic malignant syndrome, lithium toxicity, atropinic overload, and extrapyramidal side effects. Describes the early warning signs of an adverse drug reaction and what staff can do about it. 25 minutes

UNDERSTANDING MOVEMENT DISORDERS
Describes in depth the various involuntary movement disorders that can occur with patients who take psychotropic medications. Discusses how these disorders can seriously impact a patient's daily functioning, as well as their compliance with treatment. Explores how healthcare providers can commonly misinterpret or become desensitized to movement disorders. Includes discussion of dystonia, dyskinesia, akathisia, paroxysms, and pseudo-parkinsonism, while offering practical assessment techniques for caregivers.
24 minutes