Course Description
Early psychosis presents a critical window to alter the long-term trajectory of schizophrenia, yet treatment decisions during this period are complex and highly individualized. This session will equip psychiatric pharmacists with the knowledge to compare efficacy, adverse effect profiles, and patient-specific factors when selecting antipsychotic medications for early psychosis. The emerging role and potential benefits of long-acting injectable antipsychotics in this population will also be discussed. Attendees will leave better prepared to support early intervention efforts and contribute to improved outcomes through personalized, evidence-based pharmacotherapy.
Learning Objectives
- Recommend antipsychotic treatment regimens for patients with early psychosis, with attention to past medical history and potential adverse effects.
- Compare the common adverse effect profiles for antipsychotic medications, including any special considerations for early psychosis.
- Evaluate the impact of treatment adherence and the use of long-acting injectable antipsychotics in managing early psychosis.
Target Audience
If you are a pharmacist, nurse practitioner, or other health care professional involved in the comprehensive medication management of individuals living with mental health and/or substance use disorders, we invite you to participate in this course.
Faculty
View biographical information
Deepak K. Sarpal, MD
Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine; Medical director, Services for the Treatment of Early Psychosis, UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital
Pittsburgh, PA
Dr. Deepak K. Sarpal completed residency training in psychiatry at The Zucker Hillside Hospital of Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. He is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and serves as Medical Director of the Services for the Treatment of Early Psychosis (STEP) program of UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital. His research focuses on characterizing and understanding mechanisms underlying clinical outcomes of psychotic disorders and has been supported by the National Institute of Mental Health, Brain & Behavior Research Foundation, and the Pittsburgh Foundation.
Course Requirements
To receive ACPE credit for this session, you must:
- Register for this course.
- Review the full content of the activity and reflect upon its teachings.
- Complete the evaluation at the end of the activity.
- Provide the necessary details in your profile to ensure correct reporting by AAPP to CPE Monitor.
Continuing Education Credit and Disclosures
Activity Dates: 4/20/2026-4/20/2029
ACPE Contact Hours: 1.0
ACPE Number: 0284-0000-##-###-###-P (Application)
Nursing Credit Reminder: Note that ACPE credit is accepted for ANCC Certification Renewal and AANPCB advanced practice provider content. For specific questions related to your organization's acceptance of ACPE continuing education units, please contact your organization directly.
The American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education.
AAPP owns the copyright, is licensed or has received permissions for use of, or is otherwise permitted to use copyrighted materials within any CPE activity. Authors and speakers are required to obtain necessary copyright permissions for content in CPE activities. AAPP complies with copyright laws and regulations.
View disclaimer and disclosure of off-label use
Off-Label Use: This educational activity may contain discussion of published and/or investigational uses of agents that are not indicated by the FDA (see faculty information). The opinions expressed in the educational activity do not necessarily represent the views of AAPP and any educational partners. Please refer to the official prescribing information for each product for discussion of approved indications, contraindications, and warnings.
Disclaimer: Participants have an implied responsibility to use the newly acquired information to enhance patient outcomes and their own professional development. Any procedures, medications, or other courses of diagnosis or treatment discussed or suggested in this activity should not be used by clinicians without evaluation of their patient’s conditions and possible contraindications on dangers in use, review of any applicable manufacturer’s product information, and comparison with recommendations of other authorities. Please refer to the official prescribing information for each product for discussion of approved indications, contraindications, and warnings.
View fair balance and integrity statement
It is the policy of AAPP to ensure independence, balance, objectivity, scientific rigor, and integrity in continuing education activities. Those involved in the development of this continuing education activity have made all reasonable efforts to ensure that information contained herein is accurate in accordance with the latest available scientific knowledge at the time of accreditation of this continuing education activity. Information regarding drugs (e.g., their administration, dosages, contraindications, adverse reactions, interactions, special warnings, and precautions) and drug delivery systems is subject to change, however, and the reader is advised to check the manufacturer’s package insert for information concerning recommended dosage and potential problems or cautions prior to dispensing or administering the drug or using the drug delivery systems.
Fair balance is achieved through ongoing and thorough review of all materials produced by faculty, and all educational and advertising materials produced by supporting organizations, prior to educational offerings. Approval of credit for this continuing education activity does not imply endorsement by AAPP for any product or manufacturer identified.