Book: Neuropsychopharmacology: The Fifth Generation of Progress
Authors: Kenneth L. Davis MD, Dennis Charney MD, Joseph T. Coyle MD, and Charles Nemeroff MD PhD
Review by: Jessica Henry PharmD, BCPP, CGP
From the publisher
Thoroughly updated and completely reorganized for a sharper clinical focus, the Fifth Edition of this world-renowned classic synthesizes the latest advances in basic neurobiology, biological psychiatry, and clinical neuropsychopharmacology. The book establishes a critical bridge connecting new discoveries in molecular and cellular biology, genetics, and neuroimaging with the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of the full spectrum of neuropsychiatric disorders.
Nine sections focus on specific groups of disorders--disorders of development; schizophrenia and related disorders; anxiety and stress disorders; affective disorders; Alzheimer's and other dementias; substance use disorders; impulsive and compulsive disorders; movement disorders and paroxysmal disorders; and chronobiology and sleep disorders. Each group of disorders is discussed in detail, including clinical course, genetics, neurobiology, neuroimaging, and current and emerging therapeutics. Four sections cover neurotransmitter and signal transduction, emerging methods in molecular biology and genetics, emerging imaging technologies and their psychiatric applications, and drug discovery and evaluation.
From the CPNP Member
Neuropsychopharmacology is the official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology. The book comprises a total of 134 chapters, organized into 12 sections. The comprehensive material includes both the basic science and clinical aspects of psychopharmacology. The first several sections focus on the fundamentals of neuroscience, which lays the foundation for the content included in the later clinical sections (e.g. affective disorders, schizophrenia, dementias, etc). Chapters are also allocated to pharmacogenomics, developmental disorders, and special populations. Additionally, a section about drug discovery and evaluation is included in the text. Each chapter is approximately 15 pages in length with some reference tables and figures included throughout. The book provides detailed information concerning the scientific research and clinical trial background concerning psychotropics. This book is not ideal as a quick reference guide due to the amount of detailed information that is displayed within a narrative format. This publication would be beneficial to instructors as a teaching resource for students and residents within the academic setting and on clinical rotation. In conclusion, this publication is a well written comprehensive resource for the psychopharmacology trainee, educator, or practitioner.