1037-25: Targets of Psychopharmacology: Understanding Neurotransmission, Signal Transduction Cascades and Neuroplasticity

The field of CNS drug development is experiencing a resurgence, not seen since the approval of SSRIs and atypical antipsychotics. The identification of novel mechanisms of actions, neurotransmitter sub-receptors, among others is rapidly expanding. This knowledge is essential for PMH nurses to selectively treat patients with depressive and psychotic disorders.

Presenter:  Laura Leahy, DrNP, APRN, FAANP, FAAN

Disclosures:  The APNA planners and faculty, with the exception of those listed below, have no relevant financial relationships to disclose. All relevant financial relationships listed for these individuals have been mitigated. Off-label uses will be discussed during this presentation.

Laura G. Leahy, DrNP, APRN, FAANP, FAAN is on the speaker’s bureau for Sage Therapeutics/Biogen and serves as an advisory board member for Otsuka and Johnson & Johnson.

Session Length:  1 hour 30 minutes

Target Audience:  APRN

Learning Outcome:
Upon completion of this presentation, the participant will be able to:

• Identify three novel psychopharmacologic agents approved to treat depressive and psychotic disorders.

Key Takeaway(s): 

• Treat psychiatric symptoms from the "top down".
• Match symptoms with brain circuits/regions and neurochemistry to guide psychopharmacologic decision making.
• There are no "right or wrong" choices as long as you can justify and support your prescribing decisions.

Keywords:  Neurotransmitters, GABA, Medication, Psychopharmacology, Neuroplasticity

Nursing Continuing Professional Development:
1.5 pharmacology contact hours.  * In order to receive contact hours, you must: Listen to the entire presentation, complete the reflection activity, evaluation, and honor statement before the expiration date. Once all steps are successfully completed, a certificate will be generated online and available for you to print immediately. Contact hours cannot be awarded unless all required components are completed. 

The American Psychiatric Nurses Association is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Release Date:  January 14, 2026
Access to this course will end:  December 1, 2027

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