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- Kalyna Z Bezchlibnyk-Butler & Adil S Virani (Eds)
Clinical Handbook of Psychotropic Drugs for Children and Adolescents
Hogrefe and Huber ISBN 0-88937-271-3 pp 312 US $ 49.95 Euro 49.95 £32.45
The Clinical Handbook of Psychotropic Drugs for Children and Adolescents significantly adds to the previous published work by Hogrefe and Huber (The Clinical Handbook of Psychotrophic Drugs). This new addition includes a broad based, comprehensive and logical drug interaction information guide for all key Psychotropic drugs used in the treatment of Children and Adolescents. So, why do we need such a thorough and systematic publication on Psychotropic Drugs? Well, very little research has been conducted in the use of psychotropic medications in Children and Adolescents. This is a huge public health issue that needs to be addressed urgently. As the trend of prescribing mental health medicine is continuing to rise, it is essential and a matter of high priority.that as much information is available to professionals that gives clear, concise and up-to-date data on the clinical uses of Psychotropic Drugs.
Children deserve equal rights with adults in receiving evidence-based treatment. It is reported that the number of mental health prescriptions had significantly increased in children in the last three years. Yet, the majority of psychotropic medications are not currently licensed for use in children due to the lack of clinical studies. Therefore, the use of medicines in Children and Adolescents present us with many challenges that need to be addressed if we are to effectively meet the pharmaceutical requirements of young patients. As a result of the increase in national and global responsiveness in promoting good practice and raising high-quality clinical standards of treatment, all professionals involved in drug administration should have an advanced understanding of the principles of Psychotropic drugs in current use. This crucial knowledge base is now becoming an essential part of clinical competency.
This handbook is a very informative clinical guide and reflects upon the facts that Children and Adolescents should not be considered as scaled down adults, as the difference in dose is not purely dependent upon body mass. Age-related differences in drug tolerance and drug sensitivity occur throughout childhood into adolescence and account for many of the differences between drug doses at various stages of life. Through infancy into childhood the percentage of body weight is significantly higher in adults and there is a great degree of inter-individual variation in hepatic metabolism. Clinicians need to be aware of the variances of medication doses, age bands, contra-indications and side-effects. While the British National Formulary contains doses for use in children, it is not a complete reference source for drugs used when prescribing medication for young people. This new and well-researched clinical handbook should be seen as an essential reference book when using Psychotropic drugs concerning Children and Adolescents. All professionals should have access to such clinical handbooks and Hogrefe and Huber in conjunction with the editors Kalyna Bezchlibnyk-Butler & Adil Virani have produced a well-researched information package on prescribing and administration of Psychotropic drugs, their side effects and known contra-indications associated with this group of drugs.
A 312-page publication divided into 18 sections containing a variety of detailed patient information sheets, comparison tables, lists of the most common psychotropic drugs available and a very welcomed section on drugs of abuse. The handbook contains a vast collection of scientific data that shows the results of controlled clinical trials with case reports that will help clinicians gain invaluable information on medication doses, adverse effects and other considerations at a glance and allows the rapid comparison of drugs within a clear and concise classification system. Overall an excellent publication full of indispensable information and data in a sequenced and logical design.
- By Kalyna Z. Bezchlibnyk-Butler and J. Joel Jeffries. [Editors]
Clinical Handbook Psychotropic Drugs
Publisher Hogrete & Huber (320 pages) – (50 tables) – (1 figure). ISBN 0-88937-273-X
The 13th edition of this handbook constructs a concise collection of referenced scientific drug data that is presented in a logical and user-friendly way. It incorporates the latest drug information and guidance on current options and medication precautions relating to Psychotrophic Drugs. This substantial revised edition provides the professional practitioner with an extensive instructive educational package in a succinct, readable way.
The Clinical Handbook of Psychotrophic Drugs is an essential reference book to both mental health and primary health care workers. Clinical areas including community and specialist teams should be encouraged to make available this extremely useful book to all levels of staff including student nurses. Written by acknowledged experts in the field, the 13th edition of this acclaimed handbook builds upon a solid practical and theoretical basis that will help clinicians update their knowledge in the use of Psychotrophic Drugs. A very practical handbook, packed with numerous charts and tables. Up-to-date and a most welcome straightforward guide to psychotropic drugs.
Featuring psychiatric drugs and their clinical indications, dosage, pharmacology, adverse drug reactions and side effects to a wide range of patients. A comprehensive drug interaction information guide for all psychiatric drugs, preparations, and much more. A 320-page publication divided into 20 sections containing 50 detailed tables that help to explain medications at a glance and allows the rapid comparison of drugs within a clear classification system.
Only one point to ponder: this extremely useful package could be more useful if it was to transfer this important data onto a CD Rom Disk with a combined basic, side-effect and contra-indication cross reference search facility which would allow downloadable updates with a printer friendly facility regarding patient information sheets. Overall a top quality publication full of essential information and data.
- The Cochrane Library (2002)
Cochrane Schizophrenia Group: www.cochrane.org
Website Library: * * * * Star Rating
Given a four star rating because it gives over 60 reviews concerning schizophrenia which include data concerning drugs, cognitive-behaviuoral therapies, family therapy, depot injections, ECT, case management and psychosocial interventions. Full texts are available via a subscription system but staff wishing to quickly review current research information on schizophrenia should visit this cyberspace site. Please note that visitors should also go to the Cochrane Home Page to gain further links.
- Clarke, Alan (1999) Reviewed 2002
Evaluation Research: An Introduction to Priniples,Methods and Practice
Sage Publications (1999) ISBN 0 7619 5094 X (1-185pp)
Students and trained staff wishing to be informed in Evalution research will find this book as a useful introduction to the general concepts of Research Evaluation. Chapter one includes the summative and formative approaches used in such research. Chapters two and three provide the overview on quantitative and qualitative perspectives. The next three Chapters give examples of clinical areas which such Evaluation activities can take place. The final Chapter very briefly discusses Evaluation Utilization but makes the important link between theory and practcie.
- Rossi, P.H. Freeman, H.E. and Lipsey, M.W. (1999) Reviewed 2002
Evaluation: A Systematic Approach
Sage Publications ISBN 0 7619 0893 5 (1-499pp)
One of the best guides on Evalaution research published in the last 10 years. Any person reviewing or undertaking some type of research should read this book. Chapters 1-3 describe in detail what is Evaluation research from a brief history right through to identifying and formulating such research questions and gaining insight into the issues. The continuing major Chapters visit the needs, theory, strategies, designs, experimental contructs and programs which conclude in assessment controls. Chapters 11 and 12 reflect an analysis of such research with a final section on the purposefulness, ecology, ethics and utilization of Evaluation research. A benchmark publication in this particlaur approach to research. Highly recommended.
- International Society for Affective Disorders - October (2002)
ISAD: www.isad.soton.ac.uk
Website link * * * Star Rating
ISAD is an organisation that helps promote the quantity and quality of research on affective disorders. Its main function is to improve networking of researchers and to promote ‘The Journal of Affective Disorders’. Developing links with other interested parties ISAD is becoming involved in educational and research activities across the world. Professional staff that wish to increase their clinical knowledge regarding Affective Disorders will find this site very useful.
- Roy Porter (2002)
Madness - A Brief History
Oxford University Press - ISBN 0192802666
This is an enthralling story that reveals fundamentally the different perceptions of madness and approaches to its treatment from ancient times to the present date. The author explores what we really mean by ‘madness’ covering the vast range of the topics from electric shock therapy to sexual deviancy, witches to creative geniuses and psychoanalysis to Prozac. All psychiatric nurses wishing to re-visit the origins and the current debate about how we define and deal with insanity will find the work of Roy Porter an indispensable reflective research tool concerning the historical intricacies of the human mind.
- Medscape from WebMD
Medscape: www.medscape.com
Website link * * * * Star Rating
Medscape is a very broad base medical information Internet site that combines a vast search facility that focuses on top quality clinical information with enthusiasm, authority and validity needed to improve the knowledge and practices of all health care professionals. After completing a simple on-line registration form Medscape will create and help you develop a personal Web Page. Medscape also combines MEDLINE together with over 250 on-line activities. It summaries many medical conferences and current clinical news. One of Medscapes key features is having data and information on more than 50 medical journals and books. Organised by medical speciality each visitor can customise this Web site to reflect individual needs and professional interests. Medscapes objective vision of their work as being rich in content, broad in appeal and high in quality is richly deserved.
- N. K. Worley. (1997)
Mental Health Nursing in the Community.
C. V. Mosby Company ISBN: 0815194293 - 496pp
A community Mental Health reference book focusing on specific community interventions, treatment modals. It reviews community settings together with at risk populations. The book also supplies easy access to assessment scales and offers the CPN DSM-IV classifications.
- R. Newell and K. Gournay. (2000)
Mental Health Nursing: An Evidence Based Approach
C. V. Mosby Books: ISBN 0443058733 460pp
Written by two very well known academics giving an insight into evidence based approaches to Mental Health Nursing. A well thought out and delivered base to aid clinical practice by supplying appropriate research evidence concerning Mental Health Nursing.
- R. P. Rawlins, S. R. Williams & C. K. Beck. (1993)
Mental Health Psychiatric Nursing, 3rd Edition.
C. V. Mosby Company Book - ISBN: 0801663318
Firmly based on nursing research. It covers a comprehensive holistic life cycle approach to the nursing process. It encompasses a broad range of theory, information and practice models. Very suitable for all students and professionals.
This book enables the practitioner to add to their knowledge base, improve practice, and move towards a more professional discipline.
- K. Parahoo. (1997)
Nursing Research: Principles, Process and Issues.
MacMillan Press Limited ISBN: 0333699181
This book examines the relationship between research and practice and focuses on the integration of research evidence and clinical competence. Parahoo was right when he said: 'All practising nurses are expected to base thier practice on research evidence'. The book fully justifies this position and should be of great assistance to all current or potential nurse researchers. It's strenght is in that it promotes an understanding of research principles, concepts, processes and issues.
Qualitative and quantitative approaches are discussed and we are warned about the danger of 'blind faith' in research findings.
- Rethink - September (2002) is the new operating name for: The National Schizophrenia Fellowship (2002)
Rethink: www.rethink.org
Website Link * * * Star Rating
The largest severe mental illness charity in the UK. With more than 30 years of experience involving community services, employment projects supported housing, day services, help-lines, residential care, and respite centres. Rethink’s Internet site reflects upon it's work regarding national/local changes in the policy and practice of mental health issues. It has become an essential voice piece for users and carers together with encouraging professional staff and volunteers to enhance good practice. Anyone committed to promoting equality, choice, dignity, respect and access to care and support should visit this site.
- K. E. Rudestam & R. R. Newton. (1992)
Surviving Your Dissertation
Sage Publications ISSN: 0803945639
A comprehensive guide to the content and processes regarding the survival of dissertation writing.
Divided into themes it portrays a systematic approach to viewing a topic, method, content, the research plan and presenting data/results. Useful sections also include barriers to progress, emotional blocks and the use of computers.
The presentaion of numbers and ethical considerations are discussed.
- Sister M. Pennells and S. C. Smith (1995)
The Forgotten Mourners: Guidelines for Working with Bereaved Children
Published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers, London ISSN 1-85302-264-0 (pbk) pp 53.
This small ‘notebook’ presents through a concise presentation how children grieve. It briefly reflects upon children’s personal needs and indicates in various ways what adults, schools, teachers, social workers and professionals should do when either caring or working with families who encounter child bereavement and it’s associated difficulties.
- Professor P. J. Barker PhD, RN, FRCN (1999)
The Philosophy and Practice of Psychiatric Nursing: Selected Writings.
Harcourt Health Sciences Book - ISBN: 0443060045 258pp
Psychaitric nurses need a firm foundation of practice to work from and this book provides that framework in a realistic manner. The professional philosophies of nurses affect the nature of nursing care that they provide and the quality of relationships that they form with patients.
- Edited by Jenny Petrak and Barbara Hedge - Reveiwed in October 2002
The Trauma of Sexual Assault: Treatment, Prevention and Practice.
ISBNO-471-62691-0 (paper). Book Reveiw by William Whitfield
Rape and sexual assault are common crimes in our societies, but work on its psychosocial impact and critiques of procedures and interventions are hard to find. There have been many interesting, but not always helpful, books that have addressed rape from the feminist; social and political perspective but few that addressed the wide-ranging problems that are encountered in the clinical setting. The editors and contributing authors are to be congratulated in producing a work that fills many of these gaps. In particular the book considers the psychological impact of sexual assault on both women and men, provides a model of psychological and social management, includes discussion of relevant legal and social topics and provides details of prevention and treatment.
There is an urgent need for an evidence-based health care approach to sexual assault policy, practice, evaluation and research. Fourteen well-written chapters drawing on current theories, research, and clinical practice provide a wealth of relevant information. Included is a useful chapter on forensic and legal matters. This much needed book will be of great help to all students and professionals working in, or who are likely to come into contact with, that most difficult area of sexual assault.
- Professor Herschel Prins (1999)
Will they do it Again?
Published by Routledge London and New York. ISSN 0-415-16018-9 (pbk) pp 166.
There is a slight link between the first Harry Potter film in that Professor Prins reminds us that there is no quick fix, no magic or “philosophers stone” in the area of risk assessment and the management in criminal justice and psychiatry.
The book provides a broad overview of some aspects of the problems associated with risk and risk taking in our society. The book additionally stresses the complex systems of the law and administrative practices concerning dangerous offenders. It also visits the very difficult area of serious mental disturbance and violence.
The hub of the book reflects upon the procedures and practices relating to the area of risk assessment and management of offenders in the community. This main focal point is supported by reference to various local and national inquiries and is an excellent resume of these very important and major reports. This section should become compulsory reading for every student and professional staff at every level.
Finally, Professor Prins illustrates and well justifies the need for improvements in practice. “Will They Do It Again” is a very well thought out book that provides a picture of risk assessment in a variety of ways and should be very helpful to a vast range of caring practitioners especially those working in psychiatry.
- Catherine Gamble and Geoff Brennan
Working with Serious Mental Illness: A Manual for clinical practice
Published by Bailiere Tindall. (2002). ISBN 0-7020-2446-5 (paper).
The contents reflect upon a well-designed and thoughtful clinical manual. The textbook is divided into 18 parts that contain a voyage through the symptoms of serious mental illness, clinical assessment, interventions and clinical considerations for effective practice. At the beginning of each chapter the key issues are listed and a brief overview is given followed by a well-written text with various illustrations. A conclusion with a summary is included at the end of each section together with a very well referenced and most useful annotated bibliography.
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