USMLE Step 1 Pharmacology – Behavioral Health

USMLE provides an outline of the USMLE Step 1 Content. The outline breaks down the exam into systems.  This page will review the behavioral health section of the USMLE Step 1 outline as it relates to pharmacology.

Behavioral Health

Here is a look at a summary of USMLE outline for the behavioral health system section with a focus on pharmacology related topics. The outline does not have significant references to medications; however, knowledge of the mechanisms of action of large classifications of behavioral health medications is important.

Major Classes of Psychotropic Medications and Mechanisms

• Antipsychotics
• SSRIs
• SNRIs
• Mood stablizers
• Tricyclic antidepressants
• Benzodiazepines
• Hypnotics
• Stimulants

Substance Use Disorders

The outline includes a long list of substance use disorders. Many substance use disorders have associations with prescription drug use and abuse. Knowledge of the mechanisms of the substances and drugs abused as well as mechanisms of the treatments for withdrawal, preventative therapy, and reversal of intoxication are important. Identification of classic presentations of acute intoxication or withdrawal may also be examined.

• Alcohol use disorder
  • Intoxication
  • Dependence
  • Withdrawal
• Tobacco Use
  • Dependence
  • Withdrawal
  • Treatment (Varenicline)
• Cannabis use disorder
• Hallucinogens
  • Intoxication
  • Dependence
  • Withdrawal
• Inhalants
  • Intoxication
    Dependence
  • Withdrawal
• Opioids
  • Prescription
  • Heroin/Fentanyl
  • Treatment
• Stimulants
  • Cocaine
  • Methamphetamine
  • Prescription abuse
• Other drugs
  • Ecstasy
  • Bath salts
  • PCP