Course Description

Join Dr. Andersen, a distinguished faculty member at Harvard Medical School and an expert in behavioral neuroscience, as she delves into the intricate world of adolescent brain development and the impact of marijuana. This comprehensive course offers a profound exploration of normal brain developmental processes, the evolution of social behavior, emotional processing, and cognition during adolescence, and the vulnerabilities to drug abuse and mental illness.

In the first part of the course, Dr. Andersen elucidates the normal process of brain development, emphasizing its role in plasticity and the nuanced changes that occur during adolescence. Participants will gain insights into age-related alterations in the adolescent brain and the development of emotions and cognitive processes. Furthermore, the unique period of vulnerability for the expression of mental illness and addiction will be thoroughly examined.

The second part of the course delves into the multifaceted realm of marijuana, covering its components, including THC vs. CBD and synthetic alternatives such as spice (k2). Participants will explore usage statistics, the ongoing debate surrounding the legalization of medical and recreational marijuana, and cultural considerations therein. Additionally, the mode of delivery, ranging from inhalation and vaping to ingestion, will be discussed alongside pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and safety considerations.

Note: There are no conflicts of interest to report. 

Course Curriculum

3 Continuing Education Credits

    1. Course Introduction Survey

    2. Part I & II: Video Presentation

    3. Part I & II : Adolescent Brain Development & Behavior PowerPoint Presentation

    4. PART I & II Quiz

    1. Part II Video Presentation: Chemistry, Delivery & Usage

    2. Part II Quiz

    1. Part III & IV Video Presentation

    2. Part III & IV Quiz

    1. Course Evaluation

Course Highlights

  • 3 CE Credits
  • Three Modules & Quizzes
  • $94.50 to $105.00

Learning Objectives

  • Describe the age-related changes that occur in the normal adolescent brain

  • Define the development of emotions and cognitive processes

  • Identify the unique period of vulnerability for the expression of mental illness and addiction

  • Analyze the various components of cannabis and their effects on behavior.

  • Summarize the process of legalization of medical and recreational marijuana and its federal status.

  • Identify the medical uses of marijuana and safety concerns

  • Identify the acute and chronic behavioral effects of marijuana.

Instructor

Instructor Susan Andersen, Ph.D.

Susan Andersen, Ph.D. received her doctoral degree from the Center for Developmental Psychobiology at Bingham University (SUNY). She went to McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School for post-doctoral training and remained as faculty for 28 years. She received numerous awards recognizing her work in adolescent brain development and early risk for mental illness. Dr. Andersen has published over 100 peer-reviewed manuscripts and book chapters and co-edited book volumes on the Neurobiology of Childhood and Sensitive Periods. She serves on multiple editorial boards, including Psychopharmacology and Synapse; she is co-editor of the Springer/Nature book series, Current Topics in Behavioral Neuroscience. Her research interests focus on understanding how early life events influence brain development with a particular emphasis on adolescence. The goal of her research is to identify novel targets for preventative interventions to reduce the effects of early adversity on depressive outcomes. Dr. Andersen uses a translational approach, including MRI and peripheral biomarkers, to identify those at risk. Preventative interventions of interest are aimed at reducing inflammation and include manipulations of the endocannabinoid system. In addition, her research investigates the effects of exposure to inhaled cannabis on brain development and behavior.

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Additional Support Needed

At NPSC, we are committed to providing an accessible learning experience for all users. If you require any accommodations or accessibility features to participate in this course fully, don't hesitate to contact us at [email protected]. We will try to meet your needs and ensure that our course materials are accessible to you.