Schizophrenia is a devastating disorder that starts in early life and can lead to lifelong disability. It is a major public health challenge for all cultures and all countries. Clinical practice must therefore focus on early intervention, optimal treatment, shared decision-making and long-term recovery. "By listening to patients' experiences, alongside the latest research, we now know much more about 'what works'," say the authors of this fully updated fourth edition of 'Fast Facts: Schizophrenia'. In this highly readable resource, they cover the present state of knowledge about the neurobiology, diagnosis and treatment of schizophrenia, including: • emerging evidence from genome-wide association studies for multiple susceptibility genes • DSM-5 diagnostic criteria plus discussion of alternative classification systems • a comprehensive review of drug and non-drug treatment strategies and how to improve adherence • a new management principles chapter that emphasizes the importance of coordinated multidisciplinary care • the latest findings of structural and functional imaging studies. With good care delivered by knowledgeable compassionate health professionals, many people will recover at least partially from their first episode of psychosis and live a fulfilling life. Written from an international perspective, 'Fast Facts: Schizophrenia' will refresh and update family physicians, psychiatrists in training, mental health nurses and medical students - in fact, all health professionals - who need to know about the disorder and need to know it quickly. Contents: • A brief history • Symptoms and diagnosis • Epidemiology: risk factors and outcome • Genetics • Developmental theories and environmental factors • Neuroanatomy and structural imaging • Neuropsychology and functional imaging • Neurochemistry • Management principles • Pharmacological treatment • Psychosocial interventions and non-drug treatment • Early intervention and prevention • Useful resources

Psychosis affects nearly 50% of patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). It is a major therapeutic challenge, as a balance needs to be found between the PD medications that can exacerbate psychotic symptoms and the antipsychotics that may worsen motor function. Focusing on the most common side effects of PD medications, namely visual hallucinations and delusions, this highly readable handbook will increase readers’ awareness of: • the various presentations of psychosis in PD • modifiable risk factors • prescribing that balances the benefits and potential harms. Detailed case studies and evidence-based guidance for practical application make 'Fast Facts: Psychosis in Parkinson’s Disease' an invaluable resource for all healthcare professionals responsible for the outpatient care of patients with PD, including neurologists, psychiatrists, geriatricians, psychiatric nurse practitioners, specialist PD nurses and primar

This timely resource is the first handbook to give nurse practitioners guidance to prescribe, monitor, assess, educate, and advocate for patients taking psychiatric medications and promote safe practice outcomes. Written in a concise, bulleted style for quick access to critical information, this practical resource covers the key aspects of psychotropic medications used in general psychiatry, offers strategies to simplify medication decision-making, and provides evidence-based best practice recommendations to select and manage psychotropic medications. This resource begins with an overview of general pharmacological principles, a brief discussion of neurotransmitters, and covers rationale for medication use and the risks and benefits of the major classes of psychotropic medications. This is followed by information about common drugs across drug classes divided by age population. Each drug includes initial dosing and adjustments, simplified diagnostic criteria, practice management, rationale for use, black box warnings, drug interactions, identification of side effects and adverse reactions, basic lab test recommendations, treatment options, and self-management strategies. The book ends with important concepts for patient and/or caregiver education and advocacy. Tables and "Fast Facts" boxes throughout highlight key information. Chapters begin with learning objectives and include references, website resources, and recommendations for additional reading. Key Features: Follows a lifespan approach to psychiatric mental health pharmacology Provides population-specific treatment approaches for optimal medical decision-making Highlights critical information with "Fast Facts" boxes Delivers essential knowledge included in board certification exams Contains critical-thinking questions in each chapter to reinforce content

The first book to address the care of dual-diagnosis patients in non-psychiatric settings Brimming with practical insights and strategies, this unique Fast Facts resource delivers concise, quick-access information about caring for patients with common physical complaints who also have a psychiatric diagnosis. It is the first book written for non-psychiatric nurses in multiple clinical settings to address the needs of patients with co-morbid diagnoses, and facilitates the integration of skills and strategies that support recovery for patients diagnosed with mental illness. Delivered in a convenient pocket-sized format, the guide delivers comprehensive information in easy-to-access short chapters, bulleted lists, tables, and figures, along with “Fast Facts in a Nutshell” boxes featuring key information. It covers the diagnoses of common psychiatric disorders and addresses the symptom alliance between various medical diagnoses and mental illness, and substance abuse and co-occurring mental disorders. Also included are strategies for establishing a therapeutic alliance with patients with psychiatric disorders and issues posing challenges for nurses in specific clinical settings. Additionally, the book explores the legal and ethical issues surrounding provision of care to patients with mental illness. Key Features: Delivers quick-access information about caring for patients with co-morbid diagnoses—the first book to do so Written for non-psychiatric nurses in a variety of clinical settings Presents key information in short chapters, bulleted content, lists, tables, and figures plus “Fast Facts” boxes Covers the diagnoses of common psychiatric disorders and de-stigmatizes patients with mental illness Provides strategies for fostering successful nursing interventions

'Fast Facts: Bipolar Disorder' is a highly accessible synopsis of current understanding of, and strategies, for bipolar disorder. Written by two experts of international renown, this fully updated second edition of the book describes the diagnosis, etiology and short- and long-term treatment strategies for this historically neglected condition. Bipolar disorder is no longer a rare disorder seen only by psychiatrists working with psychotic inpatients, and this handbook provides an invaluable update on the topic to all those involved in the care of people with the condition - primary care physicians, psychiatrists, therapists and specialist nurses. The information may also prove useful to people with bipolar disorder and their families. Contents: • Definitions: diagnosis and comorbidity • Etiology • Epidemiology • The patient's perspective • Enhanced care • Short-term treatments • Long-term treatments • The future • Useful resources

Note to Readers: Publisher does not guarantee quality or access to any included digital components if book is purchased through a third-party seller. Helps nurses to provide the best and safest care for patients suffering from chronic pain This is the first book to discuss the use of medical cannabis in helping combat the opioid crisis, relieving pain, and reversing opioid addiction rates. With information presented in short chapters with bulleted content, this concise resource delivers all the information healthcare professionals need to know about non–cancer-related chronic pain, the opioid crisis, and medical cannabis. Using the most up-to-date evidence available, it examines the varied causes of chronic pain and provides a succinct overview of how cannabis can be integrated into treatment plans. Fast Facts About Medical Cannabis and Opioids delves into the epidemiology behind chronic pain, what the endocannabinoid system is, and how it works. It examines the complex interactions of opiates, cannabinoids, and the central nervous system, and answers key questions about different types of medical cannabis to promote open, honest conversations. Above all, this handbook provides the tools for obtaining unbiased, accurate information to share with patients. Key Features: Delivers a comprehensive overview of the opioid crisis in the United States and the benefits and drawbacks of medical cannabis as an alternative or supplement to opioids Discusses dos and don’ts of recommending medical cannabis to patients Provides the most up-to-date information on cannabis legislation Covers the endocannabinoid system and its biology Compares the use of opioids and medical cannabis for managing chronic pain Presents key information in short chapters, bulleted content, and figures, plus Fast Facts boxes that highlight key information

Cigarette smoking is one of the most significant preventable causes of death and illness in the world. Given the wide-ranging effects smoking has on many disease processes, it is essential that clinicians understand: • the short- and long-term effects of smoking on the body • the benefits of smoking cessation • why smokers find it difficult to stop • the role of clinicians in promoting and supporting smoking cessation • the treatments available to help smokers overcome their addiction. 'Fast Facts: Smoking Cessation' meets these needs: here, in one place, you will find all the information you need on smoking, tobacco addiction and how best to treat the addiction. Ultimately, the best reason for reading this book is to help your patients who smoke to change their behavior for the better and sustainably. Every GP and support clinic will benefit from this edition, filled with tips, advice and treatment aids for the clinical team. Contents: • Cigarettes as a nicotine delivery system • Smoking patterns • Social, psychological and economic influences on smoking • Effects of smoking and smoking cessation • Addiction to cigarettes • The clinician and smoking • Treatments to aid smoking cessation • Future trends

'Fast Facts: Epilepsy' is a succinct and practical aid to the diagnosis and treatment of seizure disorders. Contents include: • The diagnostic essentials - classification of seizures, conditions that can mimic epileptic seizures, clinical evaluation of the patient and the latest brain-imaging techniques • The principles of drug selection and therapy withdrawal • An up-to-date overview of all 15 antiepileptic drugs on the market • The non-pharmacological options for patients with medically refractory epilepsy, including deep brain stimulation • Special considerations for women, elderly people, teenagers and people with learning disabilities • Psychiatric morbidities - depression, anxiety and psychosis • The effects of epilepsy on employment, driving, life insurance and lifestyle. The management of patients with epilepsy is a team effort involving medical and social service professionals and the patient's family, friends and co-workers. Primary care providers are at the forefront of care, usually performing the initial evaluation after the first seizure, making dose adjustments to the patient's drug treatment and providing ongoing support. Now in its fifth edition, this ever-popular handbook is a neatly packaged, up-to-date resource for the busy clinician and team, to help investigate, diagnose and successfully treat children and adults with a wide range of seizure disorders. Contents: • Epidemiology and prognosis • Classification of seizures and syndromes • Diagnosis • Pharmacological management • Antiepileptic drugs • Non-pharmacological management • Status epilepticus and seizure clusters • Specific populations • Quality of life • Future trends • Useful resources

From blood transfusions to salvation by works John Ankerberg and John Weldon expose the unorthodox doctrines that put Jehovah’s Witnesses at risk physically and spiritually. With its easy–to–follow question–and–answer format this book allows readers to quickly discover: Who founded Jehovah’s Witnesses and why; why medical care essential to life is refused; why few Jehovah’s Witnesses look forward to eternal life in God’s presence; how many Jehovah’s Witnesses prophecies have failed—and why; how Jehovah’s Witnesses view and interpret God’s Word. Whether looking for specific teachings or an overall understanding of Jehovah’s Witness beliefs and practices readers will find this guide delivers the information in a concise practical manner.