A European psychopharmacology curriculum: The young psychiatrist's point of view

Abstract

It goes without saying that psychopharmacologic treatment requires extensive knowledge of topics ranging from pharmacodynamics and efficacy, to pharmacokinetics, side-effects, and toxicity. Knowledge should be supplemented with experience regarding applicability in a clinical setting. It is well accepted that comprehensive psychopharmacologic education is essential to convey necessary knowledge and adequately prepare trainees for independent practice [1]. Currently, a psychopharmacologic curriculum, under the umbrella of the European Psychiatric Association, is in preparation in order to emphasize the importance of psychopharmacologic education in the context of psychiatric training and to foster standardization within the European Union. The aim of this presentation is to discuss psychopharmacologic education and prerequisites for an effective curriculum from the trainee's point of view. We will address challenges facing psychiatric trainees [2] and review existing curricula as well as literature in which they are evaluated. Based on evaluation of the model curriculum by the American Society of Clinical Psychopharmacology, one of the most broadly used psychopharmacologic curricula, it has been emphasized that an effective curriculum should be more than a list of topics. It should also convey pedagogic strategies with a focus on up-to-date technology, and provide a process through which teacher and trainee progress can be assessed [3,4]. Reflection on currently available curricula should aid in the development of an effective and timely EU-wide psychopharmacologic curriculum.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.