The Therapist's Guide to Psychopharmacology

This indispensable book provides therapists and counselors with crucial knowledge about psychotropic medications: when and how to make medication referrals, how to answer patients' questions and help them handle problems that arise, and how to combine medication and psychotherapy effectively. Ideal for readers without extensive background in neurobiology, the book clearly explains how medications work in the brain and how they affect an individual's emotions, behavior, and relationships. Strategies for collaborating successfully with patients, their family members, and prescribers are discussed in detail. In the revised edition, psychopharmacology content has been fully updated.

Introduction. Part I: The Mind–Body Connection. How the Brain Works. How Psychotropic Drugs Work. Part II: Psychiatric Disorders and Their Treatment. Mood Disorders. Anxiety Disorders. Schizophrenia and Other Psychoses. Cognitive Disorders. Alcoholism and Substance Abuse. Special Populations and Situations. Part III: Creative Collaboration. Focusing the Lens: The Referral Process and Medication Evaluation. Sharing Care: Building Successful Collaborative Relationships. Strengthening Bonds: Collaborating with the Family. Appendix A: How Drugs Are Developed. Appendix B: Future Trends. Appendix C: Professional Outreach. Glossary.