Review
A clear-eyed view of psychiatric disorders and how drugs may help, Drummonds guide recognizes both the complexity of the subject and medicines inadequate understanding of the underlying physiology. Psychiatrist Drummond points out at the start that psychiatric problems are not like other medical problems. First, there is so much unknown about causes and treatments (even the mechanisms of some treatments considered standard are not fully understood); and second, people vary infinitely both in their psyches and in their responses to treatments. Above all, considering the level of distress that is present before most people even seek out a psychiatrist, it is almost impossible to act as an informed patient. Trying to manage their distress, talk to a doctor theyve never met before about intimate details of their lives, understand what the doctor is saying about their problems, learn about the different treatment options, and decide between different medicines that are completely unknown is extremely difficult. Drummond never oversimplifies here, first considering The Myths about Medication (media reporting on psychiatric issues is notoriously unreliable). Part II (Is Medication for You) makes clear the complexity of this decision and offers guidelines for the process. Part III describes the various psychiatric syndromes and their treatment, and Part IV offers a detailed, alphabetically arranged guide to the medications (including alternative remedies). What we dont know, what we do know, and how best to proceedan invaluable guide for those in a supremely difficult spot. (Kirkus Reviews)
Product Description
Complete information about suing psychiatric drugs and other treatments
From Atavan to Xanax, tens of millions of people are taking psychiatric medication or considering it for their problems. In this comprehensive consumer guide, Dr. Drummond helps the reader determine which symptoms will improve with medication and which will not. He explains how to use psychiatric drugs sensibly and safely, describing all side effects and how to manage them. Most importantly, he shows how to integrate their use with other treatments for anxiety, depression, insomnia, ADD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, Alzheimer′s disease, eating disorders, drug dependency, and other psychiatric disorders. The Complete Guide to Psychiatric Drugs is essential for anyone considering medications, as well as for their families, caregivers, and loved ones.
Edward Drummond, MD (Portsmouth, NH), received his medical education at Tufts and was trained in psychiatry at Harvard University. He is currently the Associate Medical Director at Seacoast Mental Health Center in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
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