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Important drug data at your fingertips.
SUMMARY
Officers need to have every tool available to them that will help thorn perform their job better and safer-the Psych Drugs app makes a lot of valuable information accessible right from the officers smartphone that he is already carrying.
It is estimated that police spend 10 percent of their time in situations involving people with mental illness. Many police agencies are implementing Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) programs that help police personnel understand and recognize the symptoms specific to anxiety, mood and psychotic disorders.
Through simulated scenarios, officers are able to develop the patience and sensitivity required to better evaluate the situation and avoid a violent outcome. Because individuals with mental health disorders are often on medication, knowledge of the various psychotropic drugs used to treat the symptoms is crucial.
Psych Drugs is a free downloadable software application compatible with iPhone, iPad and Android phones, where police personnel can quickly access drug information at the scene to determine the best and safest approach. Psych Drugs provides useful information about a wide range of psychotropic medications, from anti-anxiety meds to anti-psychotics and mood stabilizers.
BlackBerry offers a similar application with its Handbook of Psychiatric Drugs, but it is not free. The BlackBerry apps is also a quick and comprehensive resource that follows a standard format for ease of use. Sections are organized by drug class and provide information about pharmacology, indications, side effects and drug interactions.
With the...