65.1 PSYCHODYNAMIC PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY CURRICULUM FOR CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRY

Abstract

The phenomenon of polypharmacy or inadequate treatment with psychotropic medication is not an uncommon issue in child and adolescent clinical practice. Using psychodynamic theory can guide psychopharmacology treatment, especially when dealing with treatment-resistant patients or when the formulations are very complex. This raised questions about the best way to integrate psychodynamic concepts into psychopharmacology. Through the AACAP Psychodynamic Faculty Training and Mentorship Initiative (PFTMI), the presenter collaborated with his mentor, Horacio Hojman, MD, MBA, Associate Professor at Alpert Medical School at Brown University, Faculty at Boston Psychoanalytic Society and Institute, to develop a psychodynamic psychopharmacology curriculum for children and adolescent psychiatry residency training programs. This curriculum emphasizes the importance of establishing a therapeutic alliance and recognizing the meanings, both conscious and symbolic, of medication to everyone in the system of prescribing medications. Applying psychodynamic understanding and techniques can help child and adolescent psychiatry residents become effective prescribers; the residents will maintain their self-esteem and may experience less burnout. In this way, they can become increasingly motivated to learn psychodynamics and to apply this psychodynamic knowledge in their daily practice in a variety of clinical settings, especially in psychopharmacology. A psychodynamic approach to psychopharmacology can enhance the comprehensive biopsychosocial formulation and may result in better clinical outcomes for children and families.