Psychopharmacology: An Introduction to Experimental and Clinical Principles

To attempt a comprehensive but concise review of the neuroanatomical, neurochemical, neurotransmitter, and neuropharmacological foundations of psychopharmacology (in animal and man), as well as all the available psychotropic drugs (sedatives, major and minor tranquilizers, anti-depressants, and psychostimulants, including the psychotomimetics) is a monumental task. Yet, the author has attempted this in less than 200 pages of text. The result mirrors his extensive review of the literature on psychopharmacology (the bibliography attests to this), his expertise in animal neuropsychopharmacology, and his interpretations as a nonclinician of the clinical and undesirable effects of psychotropics. The first five chapters, despite their terseness, are excellent overviews of the brain, the neuron, brain neurotransmitters, animal and human experimental methods in psychopharmacology, and the neurochemical correlates of behavior. The next six chapters are devoted to the psychotropics, beginning with a classification of these compounds and followed by a review of the general aspects, behavioral, clinical, and