In this era of evidence-based psychiatric practice, it is important to recognize that there are evidence bases, too often overlooked, that provide guidance not about what to prescribe to optimize pharmacotherapy outcomes, but, rather, about how to prescribe. Indeed, for some of the most common conditions, the evidence suggests that psychosocial factors exert a larger influence on treatment outcome than do the actual medications. Mastery of these psychosocial factors in prescribing constitutes an important part of the art of psychopharmacology. In this session, some of that evidence base will be explored, addressing the science of the art of psychopharmacology. The importance of the doctor-patient relationship will be highlighted, as well as the importance of a patient-centered evaluation that considers who the patient is, and not just what the patient is. The presenters will show how a deeper understanding of the patient may help guide prescribing decisions in ways that facilitate the patient’s healthy use of treatment. The presentation will also explore some common errors in prescribing that, though sensible from the perspective of the standard of care, may undermine effective treatment.

**This content was captured at the 2022 APA Annual Meeting and may reference information from various sources and terminology from previous editions of the DSM.

Learning Objectives

• Describe some of the evidence base that suggests that how one prescribes may affect outcomes as much as what one prescribes
• Develop a patient-centered alliance that supports the patient’s ability to make healthy use of medications
• Adapt prescribing behaviors to the specific need of the patient

Target Audience

Psychiatrists, Residents/Fellows

Estimated Time to Complete

Estimated Duration: 75 minutes
Begin Date: January 1, 2023
End Date: January 1, 2026

Faculty and Planner Disclosures

Program Presenters

• David Mintz, MD, The Austen Riggs Center. Reports no financial relationships with commercial interests.
• Carl Salzman, MD, Beth Isreal Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts Mental Health Center Boston. Reports no financial relationships with commercial interests.

Program Planners

• Jacqueline Maus Feldman, M.D., Chairperson, Scientific Program Committee, Reports no financial relationships with commercial interests.
• Robert O. Cotes, M.D., Vice-Chairperson, Scientific Program Committee, Reports no financial relationships with commercial interests. 
• Uchenna Okeye, M.D., Vice-Chairperson, Scientific Program Committee, Reports no financial relationships with commercial interests. 

Accessibility for Participants with Disabilities

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Technical Requirements

This internet-based CME activity is best experienced using any of the following:

• The latest and 2nd latest public versions of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Safari
• Internet Explorer 11+

This Web site requires that JavaScript and session cookies be enabled. Certain activities may require additional software to view multimedia, presentation, or printable versions of the content. These activities will be marked as such and will provide links to the required software. That software may be: Adobe Acrobat Reader, Microsoft PowerPoint, and Windows Media Player.

Optimal System Configuration:

• Browser: Google Chrome (latest and 2nd latest version), Safari (latest and 2nd latest version), Internet Explorer 11.0+, Firefox (latest and 2nd latest version), or Microsoft Edge (latest and 2nd latest version)
• Operating System: Windows versions 8.1+, Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard) +, Android (latest and 2nd latest version), or iOS/iPad OS (latest and 2nd latest version)
• Internet Connection: 1 Mbps or higher

Minimum Requirements:

• Windows PC: Windows 8.1 or higher; 1 GB (for 32-bit)/2 GB (for 64-bit) or higher RAM; Microsoft DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM driver; audio playback with speakers for programs with video content
• Macintosh: Mac OS X 10.5 or higher with latest updates installed; Intel, PowerPC G5, or PowerPC G4 (867MHz or faster) processor; 512 MB or higher RAM; audio playback with speakers for programs with video content

For assistance: Contact educme@psych.org for questions about this activity | Contact learningcenter@psych.org for technical assistance