A Guide to the Extrapyramidal Side-Effects of Antipsychotic Drugs

Addresses the major side-effects of one of the most widely prescribed drug classes in a light, readable style.

D. G. Cunningham Owens (Author)

9781107022867, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 10 April 2014

383 pages, 70 b/w illus. 72 tables
25.2 x 19.3 x 2.2 cm, 0.99 kg

'This is an outstanding update of a very instructive book and should be mandatory reading for all trainees in psychiatry residency training programs - as well as their program directors … This book is like finding an oasis in a vast desert.' Doody's Reviews

It is often implied that antipsychotic-induced extrapyramidal side-effects are irrelevant to modern psychiatric therapeutics, rendered historic by newer, better treatments. This myth arises from limited awareness of the depth and breadth of neurological disruption antipsychotics can mediate. This volume discusses the extensive clinical boundaries of acute dystonias, drug-induced parkinsonism, akathisia and tardive dyskinesia, providing demographic and epidemiological context while illustrating how prescribing choices impact powerfully on their development. This new edition has been thoroughly updated and rewritten to include recent data, expanded references and a new chapter on the concept of 'atypical' antipsychotics. Written in a light, engaging style, liberally illustrated with clinical examples, it also invites readers to consider ongoing controversies - subjective drug effects, the relationship between 'akathisia' and restless legs, the status of the concept of 'atypicality', and so on. Informative reading for trainees as well as established practitioners in the fields of psychiatry, neurology, primary care and geriatrics.

Preface
Part I. Setting the Scene: 1. The origins of psychopharma
2. Some preliminaries
Part II. The Syndromes: 3. Acute dystonias
4. Parkinsonism
5. Akathisia
6. Tardive dyskinesia
Part III. Particular Issues: 7. Tardive and chronic dystonia
8. Special populations
Part IV. Assessment: 9. The clinical examination
10. An overview of some standardised recording instruments
Part V. Matters Arising: 11. Involuntary movements and schizophrenia: a limitation to the concept of tardive dyskinesia?
12. And finally … the salutary tale of 'atypicality'
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Psychiatry [MMH], Neurology & clinical neurophysiology [MJN]