Synopses & Reviews
A complete guide to knowing your treatment options and taking control of your therapy If you think you may have a psychiatric problem or if you have been diagnosed with one, this book will help you get the best possible treatment. Written by top expert Edward Drummond, the book arms you with all the information you need to fully understand your treatment options and make informed decisions about the drugs you take. Dr. Drummond separates fact from hype to give you the real, complete story about all the psychiatric drugs currently prescribed. In plain English, he explains how each drug works, which symptoms the drug will improve and which it might not, side effects and how to manage them, precautions that should be taken, and much more. Drawing upon his years of experience helping patients understand their illnesses and take charge of their treatments, Drummond:
- Explains what is currently known about the causes and cures of virtually all recognized psychiatric disorders
- Describes the full range of medications that have been proven effective against them
- Helps you to determine whether or not you should try medication
- Provides guidelines for using medications safely and sensibly and for getting the best results with them
- Explores dietary treatments, exercise, relaxation techniques, meditation, self-hypnosis, yoga, and other non-drug therapies
- Explains how to combine drug, non-drug, and alternative therapies for maximum benefit
Your complete guide to choosing and using medication and other treatments for Anxiety Panic Attacks Agoraphobia Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Phobias Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Bipolar Disorder Depression Autism Aspergers Disorder Drug Dependence Anorexia Bulimia Insomnia Psychosis Schizophrenia Schizoaffective Disorder Delusional Disorder Alzheimers Disease
Synopsis
From Atavan to Xanax, tens of millions of people are taking psychiatric medication or considering it for their problems. In this comprehensive consumer guide, Dr. Drummond helps the reader determine which symptoms will improve with medication and which will not. He explains how to use psychiatric drugs sensibly and safely, describing all side effects and how to manage them. Most importantly, he shows how to integrate their use with other treatments for anxiety, depression, insomnia, ADD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, eating disorders, drug dependency, and other psychiatric disorders. The Complete Guide to Psychiatric Drugs is essential for anyone considering medications, as well as for their families, caregivers, and loved ones.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. 302-303) index.
About the Author
Edward Drummond, M.D., is Associate Medical Director at Seacoast Mental Health Center in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. He received his medical education at Tufts University and was trained in psychiatry at Harvard University.
Table of Contents
THE MYTHS ABOUT MEDICATION
Psychiatric Drugs—Poison or Panacea?
The Truth about the "Accurate Diagnosis".
IS MEDICATION FOR YOU?
What to Discuss with Your Doctor before You Start Medication.
People for Whom Psychiatric Drugs Pose Extra Risk.
Alternative Treatments for Psychiatric Problems.
PSYCHIATRIC SYNDROMES AND THEIR TREATMENT.
Anxiety: Panic Attacks, Agoraphobia, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Phobias, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.
Bipolar Disorder and Mood Swings.
Depression.
Developmental Disorders: Asperger's, Autism, Rett's, Pervasive Developmental Disorder.
Drug Dependence.
Eating Disorders: Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge-Eating Disorder.
Insomnia.
Psychosis: Acute Psychosis, Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder, Delusional Disorder.
Alzheimer's Disease.
HOW TO USE MEDICATIONS.
How to Start, Monitor, and Stop Your Medication.
The Medications.
Alternative Remedies.
Managing Side Effects.
Appendices.
Notes.
Index.