Updated from the best-selling second edition of Essential Psychopharmacology, in this new book Stephen Stahl has revised the chapters covering antipsychotics and mood stabilizers. New material includes discussion of two new theories about dopaminergic modulation of receptors by new antipsychotic drugs: firstly, the 'fast dissociation' (hit and run) hypothesis for how the atypical antipsychotics act, and secondly, a whole new class of antipsychotic agents, known as dopamine system stabilizers, with the protypical agent aripiprazole. Also covered is the use of anticonvulsant agents to treat manic psychosis and the newest atypical antipsychotic ziprasidone. The antipsychotics chapter has increased by a third, with nearly fifty new images to illustrate the stunning advances in antipsychotic and mood stabilizer treatments since the publication of the second edition. This book will be essential reading for all professionals treating psychosis, and students who need to know the mechanisms of drug actions. CME self-assessment tests are included.… (more)