Book Details

“Practical Guide to Psychiatric Medications: 2nd Edition is available now.

Must Have resource for every Clinician.

What it is the basic knowledge of psychiatry integrated with the most updated and revised information on psychiatric medication.

How it works: 22 main chapters organized by mental disorder cover each disorder and its medications, along with each medication’s generic and brand names, FDA approved uses, off-label uses, forms, dosage, mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, drug interactions, common side effects, contraindications, recommended lab tests, therapeutic levels, tapering procedure, withdrawal symptoms, use in special populations (pregnancy, lactation, elderly, hepatic and renal impairment), and important notes.
The book also has dedicated chapters for topics like must-know changes in the DSM-5, as well current mental health issues such as suicide and homicide, violence in mental health, PTSD, and upcoming “future” medications.

Who should use it: Anyone interested in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders. This list is not limited to: counselors, social workers, therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, primary care doctors, interns, family practitioners, nurse practitioners, pediatricians, emergency physicians, pharmacists, nurses, addiction counselors, nursing home clinicians, school counselors, assisted living staff, medication technicians, and many others.

How it can help: The information in this guide was acquired over years of patient treatment, teaching, attending conferences, and research. Unlike pamphlets and booklets, often written by non-clinicians, it is clinically comprehensive; yet unlike bulky reference texts, it is straightforward, compact, and easily digestible. This guide bridges the gap between the two. It incorporates the most up-to-date and clinically pertinent information in an easily indexed format. It is intended to help save valuable time in the workplace by offering clear and concise mental health information, at-hand, allowing clinicians to provide the best possible care. It will change how clinicians work.

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

Major Depressive Disorder

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

Introduction

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), commonly known as depression, is a mental health condition that affects how you feel, think, and handle daily activities. It is not just sadness or a temporary “low mood.” Depression can interfere with your ability to work, sleep, eat, and enjoy life.

Incidence

Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions worldwide, affecting around 5% of the adult population each year. It can occur in anyone but is more frequent in women and those with a family history of depression.

Symptoms

Symptoms of MDD may include:

Persistent sadness or low mood most of the day.
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you once enjoyed.
Changes in appetite or weight (eating too much or too little).
Trouble sleeping (insomnia) or sleeping too much (hypersomnia).
Fatigue or lack of energy.
Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or hopelessness.
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions.
Physical symptoms such as headaches or stomachaches.
Thoughts of death or suicide.

These symptoms usually last two weeks or more and significantly affect your daily life.

Treatment

MDD is treatable with a combination of the following approaches:

Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps you identify and change negative thought patterns.
- Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): Focuses on improving personal relationships and coping skills.
Medications
- Antidepressants: Such as SSRIs (e.g., fluoxetine, sertraline), SNRIs (e.g., venlafaxine), or others like bupropion or mirtazapine.
- Medications can take 4–6 weeks to show full effects.
Lifestyle Changes
- Regular exercise.
- Balanced diet.
- Good sleep hygiene.
- Stress management techniques.
Other Options (if needed)
- Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): For severe or treatment-resistant depression.
- TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation): A non-invasive brain stimulation therapy.
- Ketamine or Esketamine (Spravato): For rapid relief in severe cases.