Psychopharmacology has been accepted as an important therapy that clinicians can use to improve the lives of their patients and manage their conditions. Written by experts in the field, the third edition of this acclaimed manual builds a practical and theoretical basis that will allow clinicians to incorporate drug therapy into their practices. Compatible with DSM-IV, it provides concise and updated guidance to the selection and prescription of appropriate drug therapies for individual patients. It reviews all classes of psychiatric medications, including new drugs such as olanzapine, sertindol, gabapentin, mertazepine, and venlafaxine. Updated information on side effects and dosages are included. Special chapters address pharmacotherapy of chemical dependence and emergency room treatment, as well as treatment recommendations for children, mentally retarded people, and other special patient groups.