Essential Medications for LSW and LCSW

Sep 28, 2024

Medication Overview for LSW and LCSW Exam

Introduction

  • Ray discusses the importance of understanding psychotropic medications for the LSW (Licensed Social Worker) and LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) exams.
  • Medications are treated as "freebies" on these exams, with at least two questions usually appearing.
  • Knowledge of both brand and generic names is essential.
  • A link is provided in the video description to access lists of these names.

Medications Covered

  • Mood Disorders
  • Anxiety Disorders
  • Schizophrenia
  • ADHD

Study Method

  • Use 46 index cards, one for each medication, to memorize brand and generic names.
  • Keep all index cards the same color to avoid memorization interference.

Index Card Organization

  • Schizophrenia medications
  • Mood disorder medications
  • Anxiety disorder medications
  • Depressive disorder medications
  • ADHD medications

Memorization Techniques

Depressive Disorder Medications

  • Medications starting with 'P' or 'F' or ending in 'pram' (p-r-a-m) are for depressive disorders.

Anxiety Disorder Medications

  • Memorize the phrase "VXK Pam":
    • Medications starting with 'V', 'X', or 'K'
    • Medications ending in 'pam' (p-a-m) are for anxiety disorders.

ADHD and Mood Disorder Medications

  • Spend 10 minutes memorizing these.
  • Shuffle and categorize as mood or ADHD medications.
  • Repeat this sorting exercise five times.

Additional Tips

  • Anxiety medications often begin with 'A'.
  • Schizophrenia medications have similar brand and generic names, making them easier to memorize.
  • Incrementally add new medications into the routine for better retention.

Test Day Tips

  • Write down the memorization phrases when you arrive at the exam site:
    • Depressive: Start with 'P/F' or end with 'pram'
    • Anxiety: Start with 'V/X/K' or end with 'pam'

Conclusion

  • Encouragement to practice memorization techniques.
  • Reminder to like, comment, and subscribe for more content.