Practical Psychopharmacology
Translating Findings From Evidence-Based Trials into Real-World Clinical Practice

A practical guide translating clinical trials findings, across major psychiatric disorders, to devise tailored, evidence-based treatments.

Joseph F. Goldberg (Author), Stephen M. Stahl (Author), Alan F. Schatzberg (Foreword by)

9781108450744, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 29 April 2021

610 pages
24.7 x 19 x 2.6 cm, 1.31 kg

'Drs. Goldberg and Stahl have reminded us that they are scientific artisans by creating a pragmatic, patient-centered set of guiding principles in clinical psychopharmacology. The emergence of newer psychopharmacologic treatments and expansion of indications for previously available agents has provided hope for identifying therapeutic avenues for patients to improve their general wellbeing, but also can feel daunting, overwhelming, and a source of entropy. Consequently, it is not uncommon for clinicians at point of care to be genuinely perplexed as to which treatments and capabilities are 'promising rather than prime-time'. The authors have deftly synthesized the scientific literature and have produced a book that is comprehensive, concise, and an invaluable source of decision support at the point of care for multidisciplinary practitioners who provide care to persons with mental disorders.' Roger S. McIntyre, Professor of Psychiatry and Pharmacology and Head, Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, University of Toronto, Canada

Despite the lack of guidance available for practitioners, extensive polypharmacy has become the primary method of treating patients with severe and chronic mood, anxiety, psychotic or behavioral disorders. This ground-breaking new book provides an overview of psychopharmacology knowledge and decision-making strategies, integrating findings from evidence-based trials with real-world clinical presentations. It adopts the approach and mind-set of a clinical investigator and reveals how prescribers can practice 'bespoke psychopharmacology', tailoring care to the individualized needs of patients. Practitioners at all levels of expertise will enhance their ability to devise rationale-based treatments, targeting manifestations of dysfunctional neural circuitry and dimensions of psychopathology that cut across conventional psychiatric diagnoses. Presented in a user-friendly, practical, full-colour layout and incorporating summary tables, bullet points, and illustrative case vignettes, it is an invaluable guide for all healthcare professionals prescribing psychotropic medications, including psychiatry specialists, primary care physicians, and advanced practice registered nurses.

Part I. General Principles: 1. Core concepts of good psychopharmacology
2. Targets of treatment: categories versus dimensions of psychopathology
3. Interpreting and using the literature: integrating evidence-based trials with real-world practice
4. Placebo and nocebo effects
5. Tailoring the fit: moderators and mediators of treatment outcome
6. Complex regimens and rationale-based combination drug therapies
7. Laboratory values and psychiatric symptoms: what to measure, what not to measure, and what to do with the results
8. Pharmacogenetics: when relevant, when not
9. Cross-tapering and the logistics of drug discontinuation
10. Managing major adverse drug effects: when to avoid, switch, or treat through
11. Novel drug therapeutics: nutraceuticals, steroids, probiotics, and other dietary supplements
12. Human diversity and considerations in special populations
Part II. Targets of Pharmacotherapy: 13. Disordered mood and affect
14. Disorders of impulsivity, compulsivity, and aggression
15. Psychosis
16. Deficit states and negative symptoms
17. Anxiety
18. Addiction and the reward pathway
19. Trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder
20. Personality disorders
21. Cognition
22. Putting it all together
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Psychiatry [MMH], Pharmacology [MMG]