Adolescent Brain Development and the Effects of Marijuana [3 CE's]

Join Dr. Andersen, a Harvard Medical School expert in behavioral neuroscience, in a comprehensive course exploring adolescent brain development and the impact of marijuana.

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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.

Target Audience & Course Type

This course is designed for clinical psychologists and professionals working with adolescents who use marijuana. It provides participants with valuable insights into adolescent brain development and the behavioral impacts of marijuana use. Mental health professionals, substance abuse counselors, educators, and researchers will gain evidence-based knowledge to enhance their practice and effectively support adolescents. As an intermediate-level course, it builds upon the learners' foundational knowledge. This level of programming offers greater depth compared to beginner programs and can enhance the learner's understanding of the literature and their practical experience. It helps learners understand the applications and limitations of theories and applied skills, focusing on the integration of these skills. Additionally, this course can serve as a refresher for those with prior background in the subject, providing updated and contemporary applications.

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.

Course Curriculum

3 Continuing Education Credits

1. Course Introduction & Instructions
2. Course Instructor Information
3. Course Description & Learning Objectives
1. Part I Video Presentation: Adolescent Brain Development and Behavior: Risk for Mental Illness and Addiction
2. PART I 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

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.

Course Reviews

Outstanding integration of science and practice

Stanley Kulewicz

The content was excellent, grounded in science, and critical for competent clinical practice.

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Very informative!

Jennifer Kelly

This is a wonderful course to take to better understand how cannabis affects the brain and behaviors and short and long term outcomes of people who begin can...

This is a wonderful course to take to better understand how cannabis affects the brain and behaviors and short and long term outcomes of people who begin cannabis use in adolescence. I appreciate that the course is research based. Highly recommend attending this course if you’re a psychologist and/or if you have an adolescent child with whom you’d like to share this important information.

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Excellent

Leona Jaglom

Well explained and all angles covered

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Comprehensive and Inviting

Mark Gridley

Impressive survey of new info

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Fitting

Theresa Grass

This was helpful and needed information.

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Very accurate

Theodora Soublis

Very helpful materials.

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Pricing options

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$105.00

Regular price (non-member)

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$94.50

Early Career (within 5 yrs)

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$94.50

Retiree

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$94.50

APA Member

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$94.50

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