Book Description

By examining human drug use from historical, societal, and biological perspectives, Grilly: "Drugs and Human Behavior, Fifth Edition," provides a rich foundation for understanding drugs affecting the brain. In addition to describing basic pharmacological principles, this text discusses the general factors behind drug tolerance, dependence, and abuse and approaches for dealing with these problems. Pharmacotherapy for the major mental disorders is described from both biochemical and clinical efficacy perspectives. By using the most up-to-date research, and by presenting data in concise, jargon-free prose, the author has created one of the most comprehensive and accessible books on the subject. Incorporates the most up-to-date research to provide students with the most accurate information in the field, including a detailed discussion of new perspectives on the mechanisms behind antidepressant drugs and coverage of new FDA-approved drugs used in the treatment of a variety of mental disorders. Contains concise coverage of the most important aspects of a broad range of drugs that humans use to alter mood, mental function, and behavior. Discusses a variety of mechanisms behind drug tolerance, dependence, and abuse phenomena, and links them together. Provides a number of approaches for prevention and for reduction of their consequences. Describes the biochemical bases of action and the clinical efficacy of drugs commonly used in the treatment of mental and emotional disorders. Describes new drug treatments and current trends in abuse and dependence. Includes an updated drug index at the end of the text. Offers more coverage of potential pharmacotherapies for drug abuse and uses of opiates for controlling chronic pain. Provides expanded coverage of benefits from the use of atypical antipsychotics as first-line treatments for schizophrenia, exposing alternative treatment options.