Harvard Psychopharmacology 2025: A Master Class

Overview

Harvard Psychopharmacology 2025: A Master Class is the 14th annual two-day Master Class designed for practicing clinicians, clinical researchers, and trainees in psychiatry. The course covers pharmacological treatment strategies for typical and difficult-to-treat psychiatric patients, emphasizing the integration of new research into clinical practice. Topics include neurobiology, treatment-resistant conditions, genetic testing, drug combinations, and emerging therapies.

On-demand psychiatry education — accessible anytime, anywhere.

Agenda

All agenda sessions are provided in Eastern Time. The following sessions outline the comprehensive program:

• Registration
• Welcome Remarks — Carl Salzman, MD; Matcheri Keshavan, MD
• Update on the Neurobiology for the Practicing Clinician: Understanding Brain Function and its Clinical Relevance — Matcheri Keshavan, MD
• Treatment-Resistant Depression: Update on New Antidepressants, Polypharmacy, Augmentation Strategies, Ketamine, Psychedelics, and ECT — Alan Schatzberg, MD
• Treatment of Bipolar Disorders; Neurobiology and Clinical Directions; Revival of Lithium — Roscoe Brady, MD
• Coffee Break
• Update: The Psychopharmacology of the Reproductive Life Cycle: Premenstrual, Pregnancy, Lactation, and Menopause — Kristina Deligiannidis, MD
• Psychopharmacologic Approaches in Childhood Affective Disorders — Melissa Delbello, MD, MS
• Panel Discussion #1 — Roscoe Brady, MD; Matcheri Keshavan, MD; Alan Schatzberg, MD; Kristina Deligiannidis, MD; Melissa Delbello, MD, MS
• Lunch
• Clinical Relevance of Brain Circuity for Psychiatric Treatment — Roscoe Brady, MD
• Psychopharmacology in Geriatrics and Neuropsychiatry — Alejandro (Danny) Mendoza, MD
• Coffee Break
• Therapeutic Approaches to the Difficult Patient — Stephen Stahl, MD, PhD, DSc (Hon)
• Panel Discussion #2 — Roscoe Brady, MD; Alejandro (Danny) Mendoza, MD; Stephen Stahl, MD, PhD, DSc (Hon)
• Treatment for Schizophrenia: Prodrome First Episode, Relapse and New Treatment Possibilities — Matcheri Keshavan, MD
• Neurobiology and Treatment of Sleep in Psychiatric Disorders — John Winkelman, MD; Tony Cunningham, PhD
• Coffee Break
• Update: Digital Phenotyping in Psychiatry and Psychopharmacology; Role of AI? — John Torous, MD, MBI
• Clinical Use for Psychedelics? Use for PTSD? — Ryan Henner, MD
• Panel Discussion #1 — Carl Salzman, MD; John Torous, MD, MBI; John Winkelman, MD; Ryan Henner, MD; Tony Cunningham, PhD
• Lunch
• Update: Effective Treatment of Substance Use Disorders — Kevin Hill, MD
• Treatment of Anxiety Spectrum Disorders, and PTSD, New Benzodiazepine Data — Carl Salzman, MD
• Coffee Break
• Psychopharmacology of Trauma Related Disorders — Charles Nemeroff, MD, PhD
• Panel Discussion #2 — Carl Salzman, MD; Charles Nemeroff, MD, PhD; Matcheri Keshavan, MD; Kevin Hill, MD
• Wrap-Up, Last Questions

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Evaluate the effects of neurotransmitters, neurocircuits, and genes on psychotropic drug treatment.
• Describe the pharmacologic treatment of schizophrenia with particular reference to the prodromal period and first episode.
• Outline the emerging theories and treatments of bipolar disorder, depression, treatment resistant depression, bipolar depression, stress, anxiety, PTSD, and neuropsychiatric disorders.
• Discuss the role of psychopharmacology in the management of depression and bipolar disorder in childhood and adolescence.
• Identify the benefits and risks of ketamine and psychedelics, including use for PTSD.
• Discuss the role of psychotropic medications in women’s mental health with an emphasis on PMS, pregnancy, nursing, and the postpartum period.
• Explain the role of psychopharmacology in the treatment of substance use disorders with particular emphasis on alcohol, opiates, and cannabis.
• Give examples of the latest advances and challenges associated with treatment approaches in geriatric populations.

Speakers

• Carl Salzman, MD
• Matcheri Keshavan, MD
• Alan Schatzberg, MD
• Roscoe Brady, MD
• Kristina Deligiannidis, MD
• Melissa Delbello, MD, MS
• Alejandro (Danny) Mendoza, MD
• Stephen Stahl, MD, PhD, DSc (Hon)
• John Winkelman, MD
• Tony Cunningham, PhD
• John Torous, MD, MBI
• Ryan Henner, MD
• Kevin Hill, MD
• Charles Nemeroff, MD, PhD

Target Audience

• Psychiatrists and other Physicians
• Pharmacists
• Nurse Practitioners
• Physician Assistants
• Nurses
• Psychologists
• Social Workers
• Medical Students, Residents, and Other Trainees

Why This Topic Matters

Harvard Psychopharmacology 2025: A Master Class addresses critical advances in psychopharmacology within the field of psychiatry, offering updated knowledge on neurobiology, diagnostic strategies, and treatment of complex psychiatric conditions. This comprehensive program supports clinicians’ ability to integrate genetic, neurochemical, and clinical data into pharmacological decision-making, thereby strengthening clinical expertise and confidence.

MedHub Central provides convenient on-demand access to this course, facilitating continuous learning aligned with evolving psychiatric practice. The content serves as a reliable resource for clinicians aiming to apply recent research findings effectively in patient care and to navigate emerging treatment modalities in psychiatry.