Symptom-Focused Psychiatric Drug Therapy for Managed Care

Originally published in 1997, this title describes therapeutic applications of simple to complex combinations of medications to treat common psychiatric disorders among adults. Dr Joseph discusses practical, clinical guidelines that both the beginner and experienced practitioner will find useful. The 100 psychopharmacological cases presented in Part 2 illustrate the application of the diagnostic and treatment concepts described in Part 1. The cases are grouped into simple, moderately complex, and complex cases. The clinical cases, besides evoking a "hands-on" feeling which facilitates learning, can be used to compare your current treatment approach to that of an experienced and highly successful practicing psychiatrist. A vital addition to every psychiatrist's library, this guidebook is indispensable to those seeking a better understanding of patients problems from a psychopharmacological perspective that is both practical and effective. Numerous and varied clinical presentations are reduced to treatable symptoms so that even physicians who lack experience with a specific medication or combination of medications will be able to use these interventions successfully. For each of the 100 clinical cases presented in the book, the clinical history, treatment course, medication doses, and treatment outcome are carefully detailed in a step-by-step analysis. Unique features of this book that will be useful to psychiatrists, primary care physicians, and all mental health clinicians include: its symptom-focused approach; its discussion of modern rational polypharmacy; specific dosing guidelines; office management of severe disorders; treatment of special patients, such as celebrities and other doctors; clinical cases; and sample answers to common questions asked by patients. Psychiatrists, psychiatric residents, psychotherapists, psychiatric nurses, and other physicians will find thorough and clear explanations of treatment strategies and their nuances in this volume. Physicians interested in learning balanced and rational use of various psychotropic medication combinations will find themselves turning to this book again and again as they strive to alleviate psychiatric symptoms in patients and exercise techniques that minimize or avoid inpatient psychiatric hospitalization.