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.

Table of Contents

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.

About the Author

JoEllen Patterson, PhD, Marriage and Family Therapy Program, University of San Diego; Departments of Family Medicine and Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, USA A. Ari Albala, MD, Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, USA Margaret E. McCahill, MD, Combined Family Medicine--Psychiatry Residency Program, University of California, San Diego, USA Todd M. Edwards, PhD, Marriage and Family Therapy program, University of San Diego, USA

Reviews

"An exceptional reference guide for the therapist. The information provided is explained in a straightforward format and is easy to understand and use in one's work with families. In addition, this book would be a wonderful faculty reference or text for students in courses that focus on psychological disorders." - Family Journal "Patterson et al. have written a book every therapist and student needs. This volume is filled with illustrative case examples that point to ways to work with medication and medication issues in a clinically skillful way!Should be a standard text in graduate programs and required reading for all students in psychotherapy and assessment practica." - Jay Lebow, Northwestern University, Illinois, USA "This book fills an important gap in the literature by providing psychotherapists with trustworthy medical information. The authors get to the essence of complex subjects and present them in an engaging and conversational writing style that readers will appreciate." - Wayne Denton, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, USA "The authors are careful to emphasize client concerns that often are overlooked, such as the importance of insurance considerations when determining appropriate physician referrals and medication choices... Provides a useful overview of many issues relevant for providing effective collaborative care." - PsycCRITIQUES