PDR Drug Guide For Mental Health Professionals (PDR Drug Guide for Mental Health Professionals)

The first plain-language, user-friendly drug guide for mental health professionals

The growing use of psychotropic drugs has brought new opportunities and fresh challenges to the mental health care professional. That is where PDR® Drug Guide for Mental Health Professionals, 2nd Edition comes in. It will help you understand the beneficial effects—and the dangerous side effects—of today’s potent psychotherapeutic medications. Over 75 common psychotropic drugs are profiled by brand name. All this vital information is presented in an easy-to-read format, written in non-technical language, and drawn from the FDA-approved PDR database. The NEW PDR® Drug Guide for Mental Health Professionals, 2nd Edition covers: > psychotropic drugs—usage and side effects > common prescription drugs—psychological side effects and potential for abuse > street drugs > psychotropic herbs and dietary supplements

The mental health profession is one that clearly must keep abreast of the constantly evolving biopsychosocial developments and societal changes. For instance, scientific breakthroughs have resulted in human beings living longer, but this comes at a great cost. Physical ailments, the accompanying aches and pains, possible decline in mental faculties, and depression and anxiety due to the loss of loved ones or difficulty coping with an ever-changing world have resulted in the consumption of more over-the-counter drugs and prescription medications (including psychotropic prescriptions). With increased consumption comes increased risk for misuse and abuse.

Another example involves the development of a group of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which have proved to be quite effective for the treatment of depression. These drugs have been embroiled in controversy, however, when prescribed for children and adolescents under the age of 18 for fear that some may increase the risk of suicidal ideation. This is particularly important because some studies have indicated that depression may affect as many as 2.5% of children and 8.3% of adolescents this translates into millions of young lives.

The advent of "club drugs" such as GHB, Rohypnol, and MDMA have resulted in increased visits to emergency rooms and hospital admissions related to rape, heat exhaustion, and cardiovascular collapse. Ingestion of these chemicals in combination with other drugs and alcohol has resulted in death in some cases.

When one ponders these examples, it is clear that today s clinician must have a working knowledge of the myriad medications and substances that their patients may be prescribed or abusing.

Unquestionably, today s mental health professional works at a time when research studies are being conducted with greater proficiency and abundance, due in large measure to advances in computer science and technology. As a result, the field is exploding with information. Combine this with shorter lengths of stay in inpatient units, abridged outpatient programs, consumers being treated in both mental health and substance abuse settings, and you have the necessity for mental health professionals to know more than the breadth and scope of their own discipline. The nonphysician clinician working in the mental health field can no longer afford to simply say to his or her patient, "Speak to your psychiatrist about that."

Mental health practitioners today must be as knowledgeable as possible about psychotropics, herbal and psychotropic supplements, street drugs, and any medications that may be causing interaction effects or clinical symptoms so they can monitor their patients and effectively communicate with psychiatrists and psychopharmacologists (as well as the many general practitioners that have been known to prescribe these agents). That is why I am so pleased with this second edition of the PDR® Drug Guide for Mental Health Professionals. Not only does this volume provide all of the sections and indices included in the first edition (i.e., clearly written detailed descriptions of the most commonly prescribed psychotropic medications; drugs that interact with these medications; commonly prescribed Rx drugs; medications that can cause psychological side effects; psychotropic herbs and supplements; and drugs that have great potential for abuse), but what makes it particularly invaluable is the inclusion of a new section on street drugs.

In my 25 years working in the mental health profession, my primary focus has been in the area of treating individuals with co-occurring disorders. Conservative estimates state that as many as 30% to 50% of mental health consumers may have a co-occurring substance abuse/addiction disorder and this takes into consideration only AXIS I psychopathology. Stemming from my research, I have developed an approach to treat these individuals that I have termed "carefrontation." This approach stresses that an individual with a psychiatric and substance abuse diagnosis must be treated with respect and dignity, without being shamed or blamed for his or her disorder, but instead held responsible for dealing with it. This includes taking psychotropic medication if necessary, and not using illicit substances or abusing prescribed substances.

If the patient is held responsible, the clinician must also be held responsible responsible for knowing all he or she can about "what is out there." Since the helping profession is comprised of many practitioners with various credentials and orientations, the nonphysician clinician may approach the area of co-occurring disorders from a very different place than a colleague. For example, in the substance abuse field, many nonphysician clinicians lack a full understanding of psychotropic medications. PDR Drug Guide for Mental Health Professionals, written in a clear, easy-to-comprehend manner, will provide the necessary information they need about psychotropic drugs, as well as serving as an excellent reference guide on all aspects of street drugs. On the other hand, for the nonphysician clinician working in the mental health field who does not have a strong background in the area of substance abuse, this book will provide definitive information on street drugs, as well as offer complete information on psychotropic medications. For this reason alone, I view this drug guide as mandatory reading and a reference source for every mental health professional. Indeed, PDR Drug Guide for Mental Health Professionals may just be the bridge between disciplines that finally leads to better communication and longer-lasting, integrated clinical out-comes.

Harris Stratyner, PhD, CASAC
Director of Addiction Recovery Services
New York Presbyterian Hospital, Payne Whitney Westchester
Assistant Professor, Weill Cornell Medical College