Psychopharmacology for the Primary Care Provider
摘要
This chapter explores the critical role of behavioral health (BH) psychopharmacology in primary care practice. The chapter begins with an introduction, which includes definitions, scope, and a message of empowerment for prescribing clinicians. After the introduction, the chapter addresses the two main pillars of a practical approach to psychopharmacology in primary care. First, general prescribing principles give primary care providers (PCPs) a systematic approach to the goals of psychopharmacology prescribing. Second, the section on prescribing in action provides an overview of a general, in-office approach. The chapter ends with a review of high-yield clinical pearls to maximize prescribing effectiveness. In primary care settings, psychopharmacology plays a pivotal role in managing BH conditions. In fact, most psychotropic medications are prescribed in primary care (Hughes et al., 2024). As the first point of contact for patients with BH issues, PCPs are uniquely positioned to initiate and manage psychopharmacological treatments. This chapter delves into the optimal use of medications to treat BH conditions within the primary care context, including decision support tools such as The Waco Guide to Psychopharmacology in Primary Care® ( https://wacoguide.org/ ; Laschober et al., n.d.). This chapter provides an empowering framework for clinicians, emphasizing a practical and collaborative approach to prescribing. By blending theoretical knowledge with actionable strategies, this introduction sets the stage for understanding the essential elements of effective psychopharmacological practice.