Psychopharmacology Of Anxiolytics And Antidepressants

Contributed volume reviewing the clinical and animal literature related to the pharmacology of anxiety and depression. The role of the hypothalmic-pituitary-adrenal axis in anxiety and depression is reviewed as well as the response of central catecholamines to chronic stress.

Antidepressants and related psychiatric drugs are the most important prescription drugs worldwide, accounting for a market volume of 20 billion US$ per year. This handbook provides a complete and detailed overview of all currently available psychiatric drugs, covering more than 250 different compounds. Particular features include: * the most important information on the chemistry, pharmacology and therapeutic use of a given drug * a special layout with margin notes and compound structures allowing for quick and easy access to the desired information Written by drug developers from the pharmaceutical industry, novel drugs currently under development and new methods of treatment are listed side by side with classical drugs, allowing a direct comparison of traditional and innovative therapeutic approaches.

In this up-to-date volume, comprehensive chapters on the physiology and pharmacology of anxiety are complemented by a detailed discussion of controversial clinical issues, such as diagnosis and drug dependency. The aim is to provide a constructive overview that integrates many of the contradictory elements of the disorder. Anxiety is recognized, for example, as both an unpleasant symptom and an essential drive. It is easy to recognize, but difficult to diagnose. It is specific in origin but exceedingly diffuse in its expression. The book comes at a time of rapid growth in knowledge about anxiety disorders and their treatment. It critically assesses current therapeutic regimes and highlights research that will influence future clinical practice.

Reinvestigates aspects of experimental and clinical evidence in these two mental disorders on the basis of new concepts. A number of renowned authorities contribute articles concerned with recent discoveries involving specific neurotransmitters. Coverage includes tests to predict antidepressant actions, neurochemical and neuropharmaceutical prospects, biochemical effects of antidepressant and anxiolytic drugs on receptor mechanisms, common noradrenergic dysfunction in these ailments, the potential importance of dopamine and much more.

The definitive pocket reference for convenient everyday use. This invaluable clinical companion begins with an overview of the general principles relevant to the safe and effective use of psychotropic medications. Subsequent chapters present clinically relevant information (e.g., mechanisms of action, clinical use, contraindications, risks and side effects, drug interactions, dosing strategies, and monitoring guidelines) about the major classes of psychotropic medications (antidepressants, anxiolytics, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, stimulants, and cholinesterase inhibitors) and the disorders for which they are prescribed-with the caveat that the nomenclature is somewhat artificial because, for example, many antidepressant medications are also used to treat anxiety disorders. The authors also highlight critical differences and similarities among medications, for example, although antidepressants appear to be equally effective in treating major depression, they differ significantly from each other in side effects, lethality in overdose, pharmacokinetics, efficacy in treating comorbid psychiatric disorders, and individual patient response. Packed with practical information that is easy to access via detailed tables and charts, this pocket-sized volume (it literally fits into a lab coat or jacket pocket) is designed to be immediately useful for students, residents, and clinicians working in a variety of treatment settings, such as inpatient psychiatry units, outpatient clinics, consultation-liaison services, and private offices.

Provides an overview of today's psychopharmaceuticals, their therapeutic uses, adverse effects and limitations. An account of the history of psychopharmacology is followed by detailed descriptions of current research in animals and humans aimed at developing even more effective and safe medications. Concepts of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, including so-called mechanisms of action of psychopharmaceuticals, are explained. Advanced techniques such as SPECT, PET, and fMRI and their uses in psychopharmacology research are described. The book also provides a critical discussion of the relationship between drug-based and non-drug based therapies for mental disorders and addresses economic aspects of psychopharmacology.

Clinical Psychopharmacology offers a comprehensive guide to clinical practice that explores two major aspects of the field: the clinical research that exists to guide clinical practice of psychopharmacology, and the application of that knowledge with attention to the individualized aspects of clinical practice. The text consists of 50 chapters, organized into 6 sections, focusing on disease-modifying effects, non-DSM diagnostic concepts, and essential facts about the most common drugs. This innovative book advocates a scientific and humanistic approach to practice and examines not only the benefits, but also the harms of drugs. Providing a solid foundation of knowledge and a great deal of practical information, this book is a valuable resource for practicing psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, medical students and trainees in psychiatry, as well as pharmacists.