Six decades after the serendipitous discovery of chlorpromazine as an antipsychotic and four decades after the launch of clozapine, the first atypical or second generation antipsychotic, psychopharmacology has arrived at an important crossroad. It is clear that pharmacological research and pharmaceutical development must now focus on complementary or even alternative mechanisms of action to address unmet medical needs, i.e. poorly treated domains of schizophrenia, improved acceptance by patients, better adherence to medication, safety in psychoses in demented patients, and avoiding cardiac and metabolic adverse effects. The first completely novel mechanisms evolving from our insights into the pathophysiology of psychotic disorders, especially the role of glutamatergic mechanisms in schizophrenia, are now under development, and further principles are on the horizon. This situation, in many respects similar to that when the initial second-generation antipsychotics became available, can be rewarding for all. Preclinical and clinical researchers now have the opportunity to confirm their hypotheses and the pharmaceutical industry may be able to develop really novel classes of therapeutics. When we were approached by the publishers of the Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology to prepare a new volume on antipsychotics, our intention was to capture both, the accumulated preclinical and clinical knowledge about current antipsychotics as well as prospects for new and potentially more specific antischizophrenia principles. These efforts should be based on the pathophysiology of the diseases and the affected neurotransmitter systems. Since preclinical research on antipsychotic compounds is only reliable when intimately linked through translational aspects to clinical results, we decided to include clinical science as well. It turned out that that this endeavor could not be covered by a single volume. We thank the editorial board and the publishers for supporting our decision to prepare two volumes: Current Antipsychotics and Novel Antischizophrenia Treatments. These topics cannot really be separated from one another and should be seen as a composite entity despite the somewhat arbitrary separation of contributions into two volumes. The continuing challenges of developing improved and safer antipsychotic medications remain of concern and are discussed in the first volume. The new opportunities for the field to develop and license adjunctive treatments for the negative symptoms and cognitive deficits that are treated inadequately by existing compounds have been incentivized recently and provide the focus for the second volume. We hope these collective contributions will facilitate the development of improved treatments for the full range of symptomatology seen in the group of schizophrenias and other major psychotic disorders. Gerhard Gross, Ludwigshafen, Germany Mark A. Geyer, La Jolla, CA This volume will try to put current therapy - achievements, shortcomings, remaining medical needs - and emerging new targets into the context of increasing knowledge regarding the genetic and neurodevelopmental contributions to the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Some of the chapters will also deal with respective experimental and clinical methodology, biomarkers, and translational aspects of drug development. Non-schizophrenia indications will be covered to some extent, but not exhaustively.

A compendium of the major classes of drugs, this invaluable, clinical guide to the pharmacology of psychiatric disorders includes graphs and tables illustrating drug effects and treatment results. Each drug is given a brief description-including controversies, side-effects, and uses-and is listed in alphabetical order within six major categories authorized by recognized experts in their fields: * Stimulants, Arthur Rifkin, M.D.* Antidepressants, Frederic M. Quitkin, M.D., Bonnie P. Taylor, M.A.* Antimanic Agents, Charles L. Bowden, M.D.* Sedative-Hypnotics, Eric J. Heyer, M.D., Ph.D., David C. Adams, M.D.* Antipsychotic Agents, Rajiv Tandon, M.D.* Antianxiety Agents: Benzodiazepine Derivatives, Edward M. Sellers, M.D., Ph. D., F.R.C.P.C.

Advances in pharmacotherapy and psychosocial interventions continue to improve the success of managing schizophrenia. Early detection and intervention in people with, or at risk for, psychosis give patients and their families hope for a better course of illness and an improved outcome. The interdisciplinary approach, combining pharmacotherapy and psychosocial interventions, markedly increases the chance of long-lasting remission and recovery. However, a cure for schizophrenia has yet to be found. Research, particularly in the past decade, has revealed some of the biological and genetic facets of the origins of schizophrenia, and this has contributed to the better quality of treatment. This book aims to provide a short but detailed overview of current standards of care in schizophrenia. It takes into consideration several treatment recommendations proposed in published guidelines for schizophrenia, including the guidelines by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (2009), the American Psychiatric Association (2004), the Canadian Psychiatric Association (2005), and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (2005). A major problem with guidelines such as these is the difficulties encountered in translating them into daily clinical practice. Therefore, the fundamental aim of this book is to present the guidelines as clearly as possible in the context of relevant clinical treatment issues. The book does this with the help of figures that provide the clinician with algorithms and summaries of the most important information required for the practical treatment and theoretical understanding of schizophrenia.

Antidepressants and related psychiatric drugs are the most important prescription drugs worldwide, accounting for a market volume of 20 billion US$ per year. This handbook provides a complete and detailed overview of all currently available psychiatric drugs, covering more than 250 different compounds. Particular features include: * the most important information on the chemistry, pharmacology and therapeutic use of a given drug * a special layout with margin notes and compound structures allowing for quick and easy access to the desired information Written by drug developers from the pharmaceutical industry, novel drugs currently under development and new methods of treatment are listed side by side with classical drugs, allowing a direct comparison of traditional and innovative therapeutic approaches.

The problem of serious mental illness is a widely discussed topic in the media and popular culture. This text provides a comprehensive analysis of antipsychotic medications, covering historical, social, and scientific viewpoints on this important and controversial class of medications. Antipsychotics are unique drugs with the ability to alter how people think and communicate. As a result, physicians must weigh a range of implications when prescribing antipsychotics. Antipsychotics: History, Science, and Issues offers a robust explanation of antipsychotic medications that covers the historical, ethical, medical, legal, and scientific dimensions of antipsychotics. The chapters explore topics ranging from the science of how examples of this class of drug actually work in the body to the social and legal implications of antipsychotics, making this subject understandable and relatable for lay readers who are not mental health practitioners. Readers will learn why prescribing antipsychotics is often a difficult decision due to the inherent risks of giving these medications to different types of patients and appreciate how mental health laws impact psychiatrists' prescribing practices.

Neurologists present their own experiences and step-by-step guidelines on the management and treatment of specific disorders affecting the nervous system. Diagnosis, epidemiology, and pathophysiology are discussed only when they affect treatment strategies and decisions. Treatment algorithms and patient resource information complement each chapter.

Annual Reports in Medicinal Chemistry provides timely and critical reviews of important topics in medicinal chemistry together with an emphasis on emerging topics in the biological sciences, which are expected to provide the basis for entirely new future therapies. - Covers findings related to cardiovascular, inflammation, and pulmonary diseases - Examines issues in oncology, from mTor inhibitors to drug targets - Incorporates up-to-date information on drug design and discovery, including delivery to market

Learn the therapeutic skills you need to succeed in the nurse’s role in psychiatric care! Psychiatric Nursing, 7th Edition uses a practical approach to psychotherapeutic management that clearly explains how to manage and treat individuals with psychiatric disorders. It emphasizes the nurse’s three primary tools: you and your relationship with patients, medications, and the environment. This edition adds a new chapter on forensics along with coverage of the latest trends and treatments. Written by educators Norman Keltner and Debbie Steele, this text provides a solid, real-world foundation for the practice of safe and effective psychiatric nursing care. Unique! A practical, three-pronged approach to psychotherapeutic management includes: 1) the therapeutic nurse-patient relationship, 2) psychopharmacology, and 3) milieu management. Unique! Norm’s Notes offer helpful tips from the lead author, Norman Keltner, at the beginning of each chapter, making it easier to understand difficult topics. Nursing care plans highlight the nurse’s role in psychiatric care, emphasizing assessment, planning, nursing diagnoses, implementation, and evaluation for specific disorders. Case studies depict psychiatric disorders and show the development of effective nursing care strategies. Unique! Putting It All Together summaries are provided at the end of each psychopathology chapter. Clinical examples from the authors’ own experiences illustrate concepts with real-life clinical situations. Study Notes summarize each chapter’s important content. Learning objectives at the beginning of each chapter preview the important principles to follow. Critical thinking questions help you develop clinical reasoning skills. Family Issues boxes highlight the issues that families must confront when a member suffers from mental illness. Learning resources on the Evolve companion website include video lectures, psychotropic drug monographs, and NCLEX® exam-style review questions. Patient and Family Education boxes highlight information that the nurse should provide to patients and families. A glossary defines key terms, providing a handy reference at the back of the book. NEW! DSM-5 information is integrated throughout the text, along with updated content and NANDA content. NEW! Survivors of Violence and Trauma chapter focuses on psychiatric treatment for individuals with mental illness in sex trafficking and forensic environments, along with the social implications for individuals, families, and communities. NEW! Integration of QSEN competencies highlights the competencies relevant to psychiatric nursing care such as safety, communication, evidence-based practice and others. NEW! Additional NCLEX® examination-style review questions on the Evolve companion website cover concepts likely to appear on class tests and the NCLEX exam.

Antipsychotic Long-acting Injections (LAIs) were introduced in the 1960s to improve treatment adherence in schizophrenia. Subsequently, first-generation antipsychotic LAIs became widely used in many countries. Since the initial publication of Antipsychotic Long-acting Injections in 2010, new trial data have been published on long-acting injection (LAI) preparations of the drugs Risperidone, Paliperidone, and Olanzapine. Furthermore, a new LAI preparation of the drug Aripiprazole has recently been approved for clinical use in the United States and is likely to be approved in Europe soon. The second edition of this successful book has been fully updated to include this new data, with reference to both observational studies and randomized controlled trials, as well as other new developments in the clinical use of antipsychotic LAIs. New chapters have been added covering the comparison between oral and injectable antipsychotics, Olanzapine LAI, Aripiprazole LAI, and the practicalities of organizing a specialized clinic for long-acting injectable antipsychotics. Existing chapters have also been thoroughly updated to take into account the most recently published research. Antipsychotic Long-acting Injections, Second edition brings together clinical and research findings on LAIs in a comprehensive volume, with chapters written by international experts.