Psychopharmacology (3rd edition)

Why are some substances addictive and others not? Which medications can help with conditions like anxiety disorders and ADHD? Why is it so difficult to quit smoking? This book provides answers to these and many other questions.

Psychopharmacology provides an overview of how various substances influence human behaviour. Its basic premise is that the primary mechanism influencing behaviour is the effect of a substance in the human brain. This complex topic is explained clearly and in an accessible manner. The first part of the book presents the general principles of psychopharmacology. Later chapters address the more specific classes of psychoactive drugs: pharmaceuticals and recreational substances.

This new edition of Psychopharmacology has been extensively updated to reflect recent scientific insights. It includes new and expanded sections on statistical methods, dose-response curves and other principles of psychopharmacology, ADHD and methylphenidate, precision psychiatry and emerging treatments across psychiatry and neurology in general. The book also addresses timely topics such as psychedelics in clinical practice, ‘zombie drugs’, smoking cessation, and new developments in Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, and epilepsy.

Psychopharmacology is written for psychology students in higher education.