The last twenty-five years have witnessed an explosion of knowledge about the influence of brain biochemistry on mood and behavior and about pharmacological approaches to treating mental and emotional disorders. A substantial portion of patients seen in clinical practice are taking some medication or might usefully be advised to do so. But many clinical psychologists, social workers, and counselors need additional information in order to better treat patients already on medication, know when and to whom to refer new patients for psychiatric consultation, and work collaboratively with psychiatrists when appropriate.
Michael J. Gitlin's indispensable first edition of The Psychotherapists Guide to Psychopharmacology has now been updated and revised -- this new second edition now reflects major changes that have influenced the clinical arena in the last five years such as the recent release of DSM-IV and the domination of the psychopharmacological field by the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as fluoxetine (Prozac). The Psychotherapists Guide to Psychopharmacology, Second Edition also now includes coverage of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and contains updated sections on the new antipsychotics for schizophrenia and the increased use of anticonvulsant mood stabilizers for bipolar disorder. The book also includes other significant changes that have influenced the field over the last few years, such as brain imaging studies, research in obsessive compulsive disorder and social phobia, and such prominent topics in women's health as pregnancy, PMS, postpartum disorders, and breast feeding.
This revision of an already established guide will again be an essential reference for all nonmedical professionals involved in treating mental and emotional disorders.