Psychiatric Drugs Explained

Description

Now in its sixth edition, and written by an author internationally recognised in his field, Psychiatric Drugs Explained offers a wealth of information in a handy easy-to-use format. Organised by disorder, and providing a comprehensive review of drug effects, action and side-effects, this fully updated new edition covers the latest drugs on the market, and explores changes in prescribing practice.
The author's approach is distinctive and reader-friendly, to help guide mental health professionals through the benefits and impacts of psychotropic drugs. Additional topics include management of disorders including stimulants and drugs for children, cognitive impairment and sleep disorders.

Key Features

• Includes management of disorders including stimulants and drugs for children, cognitive impairment and sleep disorders
• Gives particular focus on areas that are of major concern to mental health practitioners including management of dependence and withdrawal and issues of consent, abuse and liability
• 'User Issues' boxes highlight the most crucial aspects of drug effects and their implications
• Key references point the reader to the most up-to-date research and literature in the field

New to this Edition

• Fresh design and updated artwork gives added appeal to the volume
• Organised by disorder this new edition now covers the latest drugs on the market and explores changes in prescribing practice
• Includes updated references pointing the reader to the most recent research and literature in the field

Author Information

By David Healy, MD, FRCPsych, Director, North Wales Department of Psychological Medicine, College of Medicine, Cardiff University, Bangor, UK

Contents

Foreword
Preface to the Sixth Edition
Introduction
1 The Person on Treatment

Section 1 Management of the psychoses
2 The antipsychotics
3 Antipsychotic side effects and their management
References

Section 2 Management of depression
4 The antidepressants
5 Side effects of antidepressants
References

Section 3 Management of bipolar disorders
6 Management of acute bipolar disorder
7 Mood-stabilisers
References

Section 4 Stimulants & Drugs for children
8 Stimulants & Drugs for children
References

Section 5 Management of anxiety
8 The anxiety disorders
10 Benzodiazepine anxiolytics
11 Anxiolysis and the serotonin system
12 Beta-blockers and anxiety
References

Section 6 Management of sleep disorders and insomnia
13 Sleep disorders and insomnia
14 Non-pharmacological management of insomnia
15 Hypnotics
16 Sedatives
References

Section 7 Management of cognitive impairment
17 Cognitive enhancement and the dementias
18 Cognitive enhancement and neuroprotection
References

Section 8 Management of sexual difficulties
19 The range of sexual difficulties
20 Effects of drugs on aspects of sexual functioning
Appendix 20.1 Male sexual functioning questionnaire
Appendix 20.2 Female sexual functioning questionnaire
References

Section 9 Management of dependence and withdrawal
21 Dependence & Withdrawal
22 Dependence & Craving
23 Dependence & Protracted Withdrawal
References

Section 10 Consent, abuse and liability
24 Consent
25 Pharmacological abuse
References

Section 11 The marketing of tranquillity
26 The ethical industry
27 Evidence-biased care
28 Marketing & Risk
29 From healthcare to pharmageddon
References
Appendix: Mental health websites

Index