Central Nervous System Study Guide

The 66-page A5 Central Nervous System (CNS) Study Guide (2025–2026 Edition) is a comprehensive, exam-focused resource designed for trainee pharmacists preparing for the GPhC registration assessment. It covers core neurological, psychiatric, and neuropharmacology topics in a clear, structured format aligned with BNF, NICE, and current UK clinical practice.
 
This guide supports both exam revision and real-world clinical understanding, with a strong emphasis on high-yield CNS topics that are frequently tested in the GPhC exam, including prescribing decisions, counselling points, safety considerations, and high-risk medicines.
Key topics covered include:
 
Cognitive and neurological disorders
Dementia (Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy body dementia, vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia)
Non-drug and drug management of cognitive and behavioural symptoms
Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and memantine
 
Epilepsy and seizure disorders
Seizure classification and epilepsy syndromes
NICE-aligned first-, second-, and third-line treatment pathways
Antiepileptic drug selection, switching, withdrawal, and monitoring
Brand vs generic prescribing categories
Status epilepticus and emergency management
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, contraception, and DVLA guidance
 
Movement disorders
Parkinson’s disease (motor and non-motor symptoms)
Levodopa, dopamine agonists, MAO-B inhibitors, COMT inhibitors
Motor neurone disease and dystonias
Advanced Parkinson’s therapies and impulse control disorders
 
Mental health and psychiatric conditions
Schizophrenia and psychoses
Bipolar disorder and mania
Depression and anxiety
ADHD
Antipsychotic drug classes, side-effect profiles, EPSEs, and prolactin effects
High-dose antipsychotic prescribing and rapid tranquillisation
 
Other CNS conditions
Pain management
Nausea and vestibular disorders
Substance misuse
Inappropriate sexual behaviour
 
Why this guide?
Written by experienced UK pharmacists
Fully aligned with BNF, NICE, and GPhC exam expectations
Clear explanations, structured layouts, tables, and decision pathways
Strong focus on high-risk drugs, counselling, interactions, and exam traps
Ideal for rapid revision, exam recall, and applied clinical practice
 
A must-have CNS revision resource for trainee pharmacists seeking clear, concise, and exam-relevant coverage of one of the most heavily tested and clinically complex areas of the GPhC registration assessment.