Old versus new medications: how much should be taught?
OBJECTIVE
To address the issue of how much psychiatric residents should be taught about older medications.


METHODS
Selective use of the literature, including historical overview, was employed to compare and contrast old and newer generation medications.


RESULTS
While many old drugs are truly antiquated, medications such as typical antipsychotics, tricyclic and monoamine oxidase antidepressants, and lithium should remain integral parts of a psychopharmacology teaching program.


CONCLUSIONS
A proper blending of knowledge about older and newer medications and the use of older and newer medications is in the best interest of patients in need of psychopharmcotherapy.
Jefferson
James W
JW
Madison Institute of Medicine, Inc., Wisconsin, USA. jjefferson@healthtechsys.com
D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015195:Drug Design; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D011600:Psychopharmacology / Q000193:education* / Q000639:trends*; D013997:Time Factors
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents