Advanced Psychotropic Medications ECHO
Advanced Module in Psychopharmacology for Primary Care Physicians
Batches 1 & 2 Combined Impact
NIMHANS Digital Academy | Centre for Addiction Medicine
Understanding Psychopharmacology
Psychopharmacology is the scientific study of the effects drugs have on mood, sensation, thinking, and behavior.
⚠️ The Prescribing Challenge
Critical statistics that highlight the need for this training:
- Over 89% of antidepressants prescribed to young people (15-24 years) are by General Practitioners
- 70% of antipsychotics prescribed to young people (15-24 years) are by General Practitioners
- Many GPs are not aware of potential short and long-term risks of medications in detail
- People react to psych drugs very differently - combining drugs requires even higher understanding
Current Challenges in Primary Care
Hypnotics, anxiolytics, and antidepressant drugs are the psychotropic agents most commonly prescribed by GPs. Despite current evidence and guidance, prescribing of these agents is often problematic for GPs and their patients, particularly when:
- Drugs are given for inappropriate indications
- Medications are prescribed for excessive length of time
- Polypharmacy in older patients with multiple morbidities
- Lack of understanding of drug interactions and monitoring requirements
- Inadequate knowledge of side effect management
The At-Risk Population
At particular risk is the growing demographic group of older patients who often suffer from multiple morbidities and are therefore subject to high levels of polypharmacy, making safe prescribing practices even more critical.
The Solution: Advanced Training
This course is designed to develop skills in prescribing commonly used psychotropic medications and understanding of mechanism of action (MOA), side effects, and drug interactions. In simple terms, this course encourages GPs to practice psychotropic medication safely, which will be beneficial for patients.
Combined Impact of Batches 1 & 2
Program Success Metrics Across Both Batches
Through Advanced Psychotropic Medications ECHO Batches 1 & 2, 89 accredited primary care physicians from Bihar and Chhattisgarh are now prescribing psychotropic medications safely and effectively, with proper understanding of doses, side effects, contraindications, and drug interactions, benefiting over 18,500 patients with improved quality of care and reduced medication-related risks.
Learning Objectives
On course completion, doctors should be able to:
- Prescribe/practice commonly used psychotropics in proper doses as per the psychiatric diagnosis
- Recognize side effects, contraindications, and various important drug interactions of these medications
- Identify and manage side effects a patient has due to prescribed medications
- Know when to seek expert advice for complex cases
Program Overview
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | Approximately 3 months (Mid-April to Mid-July 2019) Total: ~20 hours |
| Schedule | 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM (2 hours per session) |
| Eligibility | Intermediate Level: • Accredited doctors from "Best Practices in DMHP" (Bihar and Chhattisgarh) • Basic learning in Mental Health required (Diploma in Community Mental Health by NIMHANS or similar) • Batch 4 and Batch 5 participants |
| Who Should NOT Enroll | • Experts or Specialists (Clinical Psychologists, Psychiatrists, Faculty) • Complete beginners without mental health background |
| Method | Completely ONLINE - Blended Patient-Centric Learning • Real-time: Zoom video conferencing (1 hour case presentation + 20 min didactic) • Anytime: Self-paced e-learning (Google Classroom) |
| Program Fees | FREE Part of democratizing knowledge in addiction mental health Commitment to time and participation is a must |
| Focus | "Patient-centric", "Peer-led", "All teach-All learn" Model Become "Local Expert" in providing quality care |
Why Should You Join?
- It's Virtual - Save time and energy by learning from home/workplace with no commute
- It's Free - Part of democratizing knowledge in addiction mental health
- It's Self-Paced - Works for YOUR schedule with anytime e-learning access
- It's Hassle-Free - Cloud-based, no paperwork, secure data management
- Best Practices at Your Fingertips - Access expert knowledge via any device
- Immediate Responses - Live chat and quick query resolution
- Fun with Learning - Connect with peers pan-India and build Community of Practice
- Lifelong Access - Google Classroom content available forever
Accreditation Criteria
To receive the Completion Certificate, participants must fulfill ALL of the following criteria:
- Attendance: >80% in weekly 1st and 3rd Wednesday Tele-ECHO VKN clinics with >90 minutes video presence per session (measured by software)
- Case Presentations: Presentation of 2 or more case summaries with detailed pharmacological management. One follow-up case is mandatory
- Demonstration: Detailed pharmacological management plan for at least one patient during e-consult
- Assignments: Score >80% in all 3 assignments (Maximum 2 attempts, limited time frame)
- Monthly Reports: Submit monthly reports of patients seen
- Pre-test and Surveys: Completion of pre-test and periodic surveys
Important Notes:
- Assignments: Problem-based clinically relevant case scenarios, multiple choice questions, short notes
- Delivered online through Google Classroom
- Maximum 2 attempts provided in limited time frame
- NO Certificate for Participation Only - must complete all criteria
9-Session Curriculum: Essential Psychotropic Medications
Each medication covered includes: Indications, Dose, Side effects, Drug interactions, Use in special populations, Termination of use
SSRIs - Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
Reading: STAR-D (Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression)
SSRIs and Tricyclic Antidepressants
Assignment 1
Mood Stabilizers
Reading: Lithium, Phenytoin
Anxiolytics and Hypnotics
Assignment 2
Typical Antipsychotics and Anticholinergics
Reading: AIMS Scale (Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale)
Atypical Antipsychotics
Assignment 3
Alcohol Use Disorder Medications
Reading: Atomoxetine
Alcohol and Opioid Use Disorder Medications
Reading: Disulfiram consent form
Cognitive Enhancers for Dementia
Reading: ACER (Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination Revised), FAB (Frontal Assessment Battery)
Post Assessment
Medication Classes Covered
Comprehensive Coverage of Essential Psychotropics:
- Antidepressants:
- SSRIs: Escitalopram, Fluoxetine, Sertraline
- Tricyclics: Amitriptyline
- Mood Stabilizers: Valproate, Carbamazepine, Lithium, Phenytoin
- Anxiolytics & Hypnotics: Benzodiazepines
- Antipsychotics:
- Typical: Haloperidol
- Atypical: Risperidone, Olanzapine
- Anticholinergics: Trihexyphenidyl
- Addiction Medications: Acamprosate, Baclofen, Disulfiram, Naltrexone
- Cognitive Enhancers: Donepezil, Memantine
- ADHD Medications: Atomoxetine
Key Learning Components
- Mechanism of Action (MOA): How each medication works in the brain
- Proper Dosing: Correct doses for different psychiatric diagnoses
- Side Effects: Common and serious adverse effects, monitoring requirements
- Drug Interactions: Important interactions to avoid
- Special Populations: Pregnancy, elderly, children, renal/hepatic impairment
- Termination of Use: Safe discontinuation and tapering strategies
- Assessment Tools: STAR-D, AIMS Scale, ACER, FAB
- Evidence-Based Guidelines: Research studies and best practices
- Polypharmacy Management: Combining medications safely
- Side Effect Management: Practical strategies for managing adverse effects
Benefits
- Benefit from collective input of multidisciplinary specialists and peer experiences
- Build confidence in prescribing psychotropic medications safely
- Join a supportive network of peers across India
- Learn best practice guidelines from NIMHANS experts
- Receive Completion Certificate on successful completion
- Become part of NIMHANS Digital Academy
- Lifelong access to e-learning content
- Reduce medication-related risks for your patients
Hub Team
Clinical Experts from NIMHANS ECHO Hub:
- Dr. Shabina - Specialty Facilitator
- Dr. Bhavya - Co-facilitator
Support Team:
- Ms. Shivamma - IT Support Analyst
- Ms. Maria - Coordinator
- Ms. Meghana - Communication Expert (WP/Phone: 9480829844)
Peer Reviewers:
- Dr. Deepak Jayarajan
- Dr. Sumit
ECHO Principles
The VKN NIMHANS ECHO model is built on four core principles:
- Use technology to leverage scarce resources (i.e., content experts)
- Share "best practices" to reduce disparities
- Use case-based learning to master complexity
- Monitor outcomes using a web-based database
Contact Information
Communication Expert:
Ms. Meghana - 9480829844 (WhatsApp/Phone)
Suggestions and Comments:
Dr. Prabhat Chand - MD, DNB, MNAMS
Email: pr*****@********ns.in
Centre for Addiction Medicine
NIMHANS Digital Academy
National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences
Building Safer Prescribing Practices
Empowering primary care physicians with advanced knowledge in psychopharmacology to prescribe psychotropic medications safely and effectively, understanding mechanisms, managing side effects, and improving patient outcomes.
Over 18,500 patients are now receiving safer, evidence-based psychotropic medication management from our 89 accredited physicians across Bihar and Chhattisgarh, with proper understanding of doses, side effects, drug interactions, and monitoring requirements.