Psychopharmacology Masterclass

Prescribing in complex mood presentations is rarely straightforward. Decisions often sit at the intersection of evolving evidence, diagnostic uncertainty and clinical judgement.

This masterclass explores the use of dopamine-modulating psychotropics (DMPs) across mood disorders, with a focus on how evidence, terminology and patient-centred care can support more confident therapeutic decision-making.

Chaired by Professor David Copolov, this case-based session features Professor Nicholas Keks and Associate Professor Judy Hope, who will explore how evidence, diagnostic complexity and clinical judgement inform therapeutic decision-making in practice. The presenters will examine prevailing nomenclature and diagnostic paradigms in the use of antipsychotic medicines across the spectrum of mood disorders.

Designed for psychiatrists and other mental health professionals, the masterclass will cover:

• The historical and diagnostic complexity of mood disorders, including the broadening of major depression, the narrowed concept of bipolar illness and the problematic de-emphasis of mixed affective states;
• The case for “dopamine-modulating psychotropics” as a less stigmatising and more pharmacologically informative term than “antipsychotics”, particularly when these medicines are used in non-psychotic affective states;
• The comparative characteristics, approved indications, adverse effects, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of more than 20 DMPs;
• Current evidence on the efficacy and safety of DMPs in the treatment of mood states, including major depressive, bipolar and schizoaffective disorders; and
• Clinical conundrums in the use of DMPs in mood presentations, illustrated through case studies that highlight the art of therapeutics, particularly in mixed states such as agitated depression.

Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of how evidence, terminology and clinical judgement can inform prescribing decisions in complex mood presentations, supported by practical case-based discussion and expert insight.

What's included

• Engage directly with expert presenters through a live case-based discussion and Q&A
• Shape the discussion by submitting questions when you register or during the live session
• Revisit key insights with on-demand access to the recording, presentation slides and Q&A until the end of 2027
• Receive up to three CPD hours for participating in a focused, clinically relevant learning activity
• Register for the live masterclass to put your questions to the presenters and explore practical prescribing considerations in complex mood presentations.
• Join the discussion on the day, or register now to receive the recording and presentation slides after the session.

Your registration also supports RANZCP Foundation research and leadership initiatives that help strengthen the future of psychiatry.

Registration fees

Complimentary access for eligible Pacific mental health professionals

As part of our commitment to supporting and strengthening mental health leadership internationally, the RANZCP Foundation is offering a limited number of complimentary registrations for eligible mental health professionals from Pacific Island countries as part of a pilot initiative. 

Apply for complimentary access

Your purchase supports research and leadership

Your purchase fee is donated to the RANZCP Foundation — the charitable arm of the College. 

Each year, the Foundation invests around $400,000 in grants and scholarships to nurture the next generation of psychiatric researchers and strengthen the academic foundations of our profession.

We are also proud to support Indigenous leadership programs, helping to build capacity and foster inclusive excellence.

Image credit: Golgi, C. (1885). Plate XVI: Part of a vertical section through the human pes Hippocampi major [Illustration]. In Sulla fina anatomia degli organi centrali del sistema nervoso. S. Calderini e Figlio. Wikimedia Commons.