Chapter 29.Psychopharmacology
Sections
Excerpt
Psychopharmacology is critical to the management of all major psychiatric disorders. Since the serendipitous discovery of the psychotropic effects of antidepressants, antipsychotics, and lithium in the early 1950s, the pharmacological armamentarium and evidence for efficacy have grown dramatically, yet many of these original agents remain relevant today. Despite decades of progress, many challenges remain. Our practice of psychiatry is hampered by lack of explanatory biological specificity for the major disorders, making precise diagnosis and medication choice dependent on observation, best application of available evidence, and trial and error. Even with an appropriate diagnosis, medications have limited ability to induce remission, there is significant inter- and intra-individual difference in response, and cure is usually not possible. Further complicating treatment are psychiatric, substance use, and medical comorbidities.
Access content
To read the fulltext, please use one of the options below to sign in or purchase access.- Personal login
- Institutional Login
- Sign in via OpenAthens
- Register for access
-
Please login/register if you wish to pair your device and check access availability.
Not a subscriber?
PsychiatryOnline subscription options offer access to the DSM-5 library, books, journals, CME, and patient resources. This all-in-one virtual library provides psychiatrists and mental health professionals with key resources for diagnosis, treatment, research, and professional development.
Need more help? PsychiatryOnline Customer Service may be reached by emailing [email protected] or by calling 800-368-5777 (in the U.S.) or 703-907-7322 (outside the U.S.).
