Product Description

Since the publication of its first edition, the Handbook of Clinical Psychopharmacology for Therapists had filled a significant gap in the professional literature available to psychologists and other mental health clinicians: a practical, accessible guide to psychoactive medications that is both comprehensive and free from the complicated language and technical rigor found in medical schools texts. Thousands of therapists keep this book on their shelves to quickly reference drug facts for their clients. Tens of thousands of graduate and undergraduate students of psychology are first introduced to the medical treatment of mental health problems with the handbook. Now in its fifth edition, the book continues to be among the most important references for mental health clinicans.

The book is organized by disorder and, within each disorder, by medication. Reader learn the indications, contraindication, efficacy, side effects, and success indicators for each drug. Interactions between drugs are discussed, as are the differences between using certain medications in the treatment of adults and children and adolescents. In this edition, many details have been updated to reflect finds from ongoic research, including new material about the sexual side effects of antidepressants.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #3670 in Books
• Published on: 2008-02
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 326 pages

From the Publisher
This revised and expanded edition of a must-read book for therapists and other psychological clinicians offers a concise and practical yet thorough overview of the use of psychoactive medications for the treatment of mental health problems in both adults and children and adolescents.

About the Author

John Preston, Psy.D., ABPP, is a licensed psychologist and the author of fourteen books. He is professor of psychology at the Sacramento, CA, campus of Alliant International University and has served on the faculty of the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine. He has lectured widely in the United States and abroad. He is the recipient of the Mental Health Association President's award for contributions to the mental health profession. He is coauthor of Clinical Psychopharmacology Made Ridiculously Simple.

John H. O'Neal, MD, has been a board-certified psychiatrist in private practice since 1977. He is a past chief of the Department of Psychiatry at Sutter Community Hospital in Sacramento, CA. He is assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine and a distinguished fellow of the APA. He lectures on depression and psychopharmacology to mental health professionals, employee assistance programs, and the public. He received a master's of education degree in clinical psychology from Harvard University.

Mary C. Talaga, R.Ph., Ph.D., is pharmacy services manager at the Kaiser South Sacramento Medical Center. She has been a pharmacist for over twenty-five years, with specialization in psychiatric pharmacy. She has held a number of management, patient care, and drug utilization positions throughout her career. Her current projects include development of collaborative care models for the treatment of depression in primary care. She frequently provides clinical in-service training to health professionals and general education to patients and consumers.

Customer Reviews

Handbook worth having
The book was recommened for an into class in Psychopharmacology. I read through all of it! The information is presented in easy to ready formats. It aslo includes practical case studies to help demonstrate concepts. It stresses that the information presented is in basic overview and some topics can be further researched. Yet, the material covered is indepth for most work in family therapy. The most commonly used psychotropic drugs, their primary uses and side effects are given in easy to use format. This is a great reference book for anyone going into counseling/therapy.

Handbook of Clinical Psychopharmacology
The book is written in clear practical way for clinicians across many disciplines to use easily.
I will certainly recommend it to anyone who wants a simple yet thorough coverage of the material for clinical puposes.


R. S. Ellecom, Psy.D, Dr.P.H

Pharmacology Text great for Graduate students.
This book gives a wealth of clear and concise information regarding psychotropic medications. Included is a good write up of the history of medications in the mental health field. There are also descriptions of public and media perceptions of medications as well as historic attacks on psychotropic drugs based on rumor, politics, religion, and incorrect information. Anyone in the mental health field may benefit from having this book on their shelf.