There is, it seems, an endless supply of texts covering the science and practicalities of psychopharmacology. Largely they fall into two groups: standard reference texts dryly providing numerous data, but without pragmatic direction; and more considered texts which collate and synthesise data to provide more practical, clinically relevant guidance. Current Psychotherapeutic Drugs, however, falls somewhere between these extremes. Much of the information provided consists of pithy dosage recommendations similar to those found in any practical reference, such as the British National Formulary. But each chapter also includes a less prosaic, referenced introduction written, in the main, by a world-renowned expert. These two approaches combine fairly well to give a clinically relevant overview of psychopharmacological approaches to most areas of psychiatry. ?
The main shortcoming of this book is its parochialism: it is clearly intended for an American audience. Only drugs available in the USA are mentioned and only USA trade names are given. Only Food and Drug Administration dosage advice is provided. As a result, the book's usefulness to non-American readers is rather limited. This is perhaps exemplified by the absence of any mention of dothiepin, lofepramine, zuclopenthixol or amisulpride.
Current Psychotherapeutic Drugs contains a great deal of information, but ultimately fails as a reference text for use outside the USA. It is perhaps a worthwhile library text but I would not recommend it as a book to add to one's personal collection.
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