Description
This training focuses on the appropriate use of anticholinergic medications in psychiatric populations, covering both therapeutic applications and associated risks. Participants will learn to identify medications with high anticholinergic burden, manage common and severe adverse reactions (e.g., constipation, delirium), and implement strategies to minimize risks. The session includes case-based discussions on optimizing treatment while reducing anticholinergic side effects, particularly in patients taking antipsychotics like clozapine. Key takeaways include alternative approaches to managing extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) and the importance of monitoring for complications such as ileus. The training aims to enhance clinical decision-making for safer, more effective patient care.
Format
Recorded webinar, non-interactive, self-paced distance learning activity with post-test.
This presentation was recorded on April 20, 2022.
Learning Objectives
Implement appropriate treatment strategies utilizing anticholinergic medication in the psychiatric population.
Discuss common and severe adverse reactions of anticholinergic medications.
Review medications with higher risk of increasing anticholinergic burden.
Modify treatment strategies to lower risks of anticholinergic side effects.
Outline
- Introduction & Background
- Acetylcholine and Muscarinic Receptors
- The Good: Therapeutic Uses of Anticholinergics
- The Bad: Side Effects and Risks
- The Ugly: Severe Adverse Outcomes
- Clinical Cases & Management Strategies
- Guidelines and Best Practices
Target Audience
Psychiatrist, Physician (Non-Psychiatric), Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Pharmacist
Instruction Level
Intermediate
Estimated Time to Complete
Estimated Duration: 1.0 hour
Program Start Date: October 2, 2025
Program End Date: October 2, 2028
Ongoing Interdisciplinary Discussion Board
After completing the course, engage with colleagues in the mental health field through the Webinar Roundtable Topics discussion board. This is an easy way to network and share ideas with other clinicians who participate in this webinar. Access through the discussion tab.
How to Earn Credit
After completing the evaluation, participants will have the opportunity to claim their hours of participation and download the appropriate certificate. Physicians may obtain an official CME certificate, other healthcare professionals may receive a CE certificate (as applicable), and all other attendees may generate a certificate of participation. Each certificate will reflect the event date and total hours earned.
Continuing Education Credit
In support of improving patient care, American Psychiatric Association (APA) is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
Physicians
The APA designates this live event for a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Nurses/Nurse Practitioners
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) designates this activity for 1.00 Nursing contact hours. Nurses should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Pharmacists
This curriculum has been approved for 1.00 contact hours by the American Psychiatric Association. The American Psychiatric Association is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. The Universal Activity Number for this program is JA0000145-0000-25-021-H05-P. This learning activity is knowledge-based. Your CE credits will be electronically submitted to NABP upon successful completion of the activity. Pharmacists with questions can contact NABP customer service (custserv@nabp.net).
Faculty and Planner Disclosures
The American Psychiatric Association adheres to the ACCME's Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Medical Education. Any individuals in a position to control the content of a CME activity - including faculty, planners, reviewers, or others - are required to disclose all relevant financial relationships with ineligible entities (commercial interests). All relevant conflicts of interest have been mitigated prior to the commencement of the activity.
Faculty
- Ai-Li Arias, MD, Consultant, Psychopharmacology Resource Network / Senior Psychiatrist Specialist, California Department of State Hospitals. Dr. Arias has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.
Program Planners
- John Torous, MD, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Dr. Torous has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.
- Megan Ehret, PharmD, BCPP, University of Maryland, Baltimore. Dr. Ehret has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.
- Kathryn B. Hanley, LPA, RN, PMHNP-BC, Austin State Hospital. Ms. Hanley has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.
Accessibility for Participants with Disabilities
The American Psychiatric Association is committed to ensuring accessibility of its website to people with disabilities. If you have trouble accessing any of APA’s online resources, please contact us at 202-559-3900 for assistance.
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 |
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