MIMS Handbook of Psychiatric Medication

Stein, Dan; Hoffman, Jacob; Kadenge, Betty

MIMS Handbook of Psychiatric Medication

Book

2022

Publisher

Arena Holdings

Department

Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health

Faculty

Faculty of Health Sciences

Abstract

There is general agreement on the value of evidence-based medicine in general practice. And there is growing acknowledgement that the treatment of psychiatric disorders is an important component of primary care. This volume addresses the logical conclusion from these two premises; there is a need for an evidence-based approach to the use of psychiatric medications in general practice. While the evidence base of psychopharmacology grows annually, there are relatively few attempts to synthesise this literature for general practitioners. Lengthy and cumbersome guidelines are unlikely to be read, much less implemented. Our aim here was to synthesise the evidence in a readable and easy-to-use format, using pharmacotherapy algorithms. The current volume updates previous attempts to meet this aim. The approach here draws in part on our experience with Continuing Medical Education courses for general practitioners. To that extent, we are grateful to the many GPs who have attended these courses, and who have advised us on how to improve them. We are also grateful to our colleagues who have helped us with this teaching, and to those in the pharmaceutical industry who have supported such teaching over the years. It would perhaps be remiss if we did not end by emphasising that psychiatry is concerned not only about brain circuitry and neurotransmitters, but also about the patient-doctor relationship, and the broader intersections between society and the individual. Arguably, psychopharmacology is both a science and a humanity. We hope that the treatment algorithms provided here are implemented with good clinical judgement. To purchase a physical copy of the handbook and for access to CPD points, please visit subs.mims.co.za
“Those healthcare practitioners wishing to access (for a fee) the CPD programme accompanying the Handbook of Psychiatric Medication Volume 2 should please contact Riette van der Merwe of MIMS at (011) 280-5856 (email: vandermerwer@mims.co.za). Alternatively, they can order the programme from the MIMS online shops at www.mims.co.za.