Stahl's Essential Psychopharmacology has established itself as the preeminent source of education and information in its field. This much expanded second edition enlists advances in neurobiology, and recent clinical developments, to explain with renewed clarity the concepts underlying drug treatment of psychiatric disorders. New neurotransmitter systems, new theories on schizophrenia, clinical advances in antipsychotic and antidepressant therapy, new coverage of attention deficit disorder, sleep disorders and drug abuse, and a new chapter on gender and sexual psychopharmacology are all features of this new edition. The fully revised text is complemented by many new illustrations, instructive and entertaining as before, and enhanced to reflect new knowledge and topics covered for the first time. The illustrations and their captions may be used independently of the main text for a rapid introduction to the field or for review, and self-assessment tests follow each chapter. This will be the essential text for students, scientists, psychiatrists and other mental health professionals, enabling them to master the complexities of psychopharmacology, and plan sound treatment approaches based on current knowledge.

Stephen M. Stahl is Adjunct Professor of Psychiatry at the University of California, San Diego