Main description:

Psychopharmacology has changed the face of modern psychiatry. Yet it is rare to find in the literature such a deeply informative yet eminently practical manual on this complex subject. Here, three senior psychopharmacologists offer a unique clinical perspective and practical advice on applying psychotropic medications to the treatment of specific psychiatric conditions. Clearly written in a collegial, narrative style for easy reading and comprehension, the sixth edition of this bestselling manual offers extensively updated chapters with new sections and summary tables for quick reference, including the latest information on antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, antianxiety agents, hypnotics, and stimulants. This comprehensive clinical guide emphasizes -Practical advice i.e., specific recommendations about dosing, titration, and combining medications derived from the authors' extensive clinical experience -General principles of psychopharmacological treatment, including advice on legal, ethical, and economic issues -Past, current, and future treatments for all major classes of medications, including mechanisms of action and pharmacokinetics -Augmentation strategies for treatment resistant disorders, emergency room treatment, pharmacotherapy for substance use disorders -Special topics such as pregnancy and mental retardation, with a fascinating final chapter on herbals and dietary supplements With its liberal use of tables and illustrations, and dual appendices on medication strengths and costs and suggested readings, this up-to-date, practical manual will be warmly welcomed by not only practitioners, but also students (including those in nursing and pharmacy) and psychopharmacology residents.

Contents:

Preface. General principles of psychopharmacological treatment. Diagnosis and classification. Antidepressants. Antipsychotic drugs. Mood stabilizers. Antianxiety agents. Hypnotics. Stimulants and other fast-acting drugs. Augmentation strategies for treatment-resistant disorders. Emergency room treatment. Pharmacotherapy for substance use disorders. Pharmacotherapy in special situations. Herbals and dietary supplements. Appendix A: strengths and costs of antidepressant and antipsychotic drugs. Appendix B: suggested readings. Index.