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Psychedelics and Art Therapy: A Trauma-Informed Manual for Somatic Self-Discovery
by Charmaine HusumThis book serves as a vital resource for clinicians, therapists, and individuals aiming to integrate their psychedelic experiences through the transformative practice of Art Therapy. Rooted in a Trauma‑informed approach, Psychedelics and Art Therapy: A Trauma‑Informed Manual for Somatic Self Discovery offers guidance on navigating the profound psychological and emotional shifts that often accompany such journeys.This book combines creative exercises with meditation and neuroscientific insights to show how Art Therapy can effectively reroute neural pathways, fostering sustained emotional well‑being and personal growth. In an era where the underground market of psychedelic therapy is often unsafe and commercially driven, this book advocates for a sustainable approach to healing that prevents habitual reliance on these substances. Authored by an Art Therapist with over a decade of specialized experience in psychedelic preparation and integration, this book transcends the underground stigmas associated with drug culture, offering a trusted path to healing grounded in therapeutic practices that honor transpersonal and Indigenous wisdom.As the conversation around Psychedelics in therapy evolves, this essential guide provides a structured and compassionate approach to integration and healing, ensuring long‑term personal empowerment and inner well‑being.
Psychedelics and Mental Health: Neuroscience and the Power of Psychoactives in Therapy
by Irene de Caso• Details how psychedelics alter our experience from a neurological perspective, including what neurons they interact with, their effects on cognitive and emotional processing, and why those effects can be therapeutic• Looks at clinical results with LSD, psilocybin from magic mushrooms, and DMT from ayahuasca, as well as empathogens such as MDMA, found in ecstasy• Provides an illustrated introduction to neuroscience and a vision for a new model of psychotherapy where psychedelics help bring lasting healingPresenting a comprehensive guide to the new and evolving landscape of psychedelic-assisted mental health treatment, neuroscientist Irene de Caso takes you on a journey through the brain, revealing how psychedelics and empathogens, if taken in a safe and therapeutic environment, can lead to positive and lasting changes.Providing an illustrated introduction to neuroscience and molecular actions in the body and brain, the author details how psychedelics alter our experience, including their effects on cognitive and emotional processing and how those effects can be therapeutic. She explores the wide body of evidence behind the psychedelic revolution in psychiatry and psychotherapy and looks at clinical studies on hallucinogens such as LSD, psilocybin from magic mushrooms, and DMT from ayahuasca as well as empathogens such as MDMA found in ecstasy. She reviews the efficacy of psychedelics in treating alcoholism and other addictions, post-traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety in autistic individuals, treatment-resistant depression, and other conditions, offering statistical comparisons to conventional antidepressants and mood-enhancing drugs. She also explores the psychedelic experience through neuroimaging and phenomenological experience, considering mystical states, synesthesia, and the therapeutic benefits of momentary ego-dissolution.Laying the foundation for a new model of psychotherapy, de Caso shows how psychedelics can help break down our defense mechanisms, offer direct access to the subconscious, and provide a path to deeper, lasting healing.
Psychedelics and Psychotherapy: The Healing Potential of Expanded States
by Tim Read and Maria Papaspyrou• Examines the therapeutic potential of expanded states, underground psychedelic psychotherapy, harm reduction, new approaches for healing individual and collective trauma, and training considerations • Addresses challenging psychedelic experiences, spiritual emergencies, and the central importance of the therapeutic relationship • Details the use of cannabis as a psychedelic tool, spiritual exploration with LSD, micro-dosing with Iboga, and MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD Exploring the latest developments in the flourishing field of modern psychedelic psycho-therapy, this book shares practical experiences and insights from both elders and newer research voices in the psychedelic research and clinical communities. The contributors examine new findings on safe and skillful work with psychedelic and expanded states for therapeutic, personal, and spiritual growth. They explain the dual process of opening and healing. They explore new approaches for individual inner work as well as for the healing of ancestral and collective trauma. They examine the power of expanded states for reparative attachment work and offer insights on the integration process through the lens of Holotropic Breathwork. The contributors also examine the use of cannabis as a psychedelic tool, spiritual exploration with LSD, microdosing with Iboga, treating depression with psilocybin, and MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD. Revealing diverse ways of working with psychedelics in terms of set, setting, and type of substance, the book concludes with discussions of ethics and professional development for those working in the field as well as explores considerations for training the next generation of psychedelic therapists.
Psychedelics and the Coming Singularity: Conversations with Duncan Trussell, Rupert Sheldrake, Hamilton Morris, Graham Hancock, Grant Morrison, and Others
by David Jay Brown• Includes conversations with Duncan Trussell, Graham Hancock, Grant Morrison, Hamilton Morris, Erik Davis, Julia Mossbridge, Rupert Sheldrake, and others• Explores the possibility of human extinction, Simulation Theory, Virtual Reality and lucid dreaming, space migration, DMT research, and advanced robotics• Delves deep into the relationship between psychedelics and ecological awarenessBetween war, inequality, biosphere collapse, climate change, and destabilizing advances in technology like AI, humankind is confronted with an almost insurmountable array of challenges. Yet many brilliant experts are working on outside-the-box solutions, looking to psychedelic-inspired visions of the future to lead humanity through these crises.In a series of conversations with leading minds in consciousness studies, psychedelic culture, anthropology, chemistry, and other disciplines, author David Jay Brown elicits answers to some of the most thought-provoking questions about our origins, our present situation, and the future of humanity and the Earth. Brown and these luminaries explore topics as diverse as potential human extinction, the relationship between psychedelics and ecological consciousness, simulation theory, virtual reality and lucid dreaming, the consciousness-altering effects of the pandemic, space migration and contact with alien intelligence, and DMT research and advanced robotics.Whether he&’s speaking to podcaster Duncan Trussell about the Singularity, comic book author Grant Morrison about magick and the occult, or neuroscientist Julia Mossbridge about psychic phenomena, Brown&’s spirited interview approach helps draw profound insights from these cutting-edge thinkers. What, he asks, are the implications of our understanding of consciousness, particularly altered states—and how might entheogens help raise ecological awareness to impact the future of our species? In this curated colletion of interviews, Brown seeks to find out.
Psychedelics: The Revolutionary Drugs That Could Change Your Life—A Guide from the Expert
by Professor David NuttThe definitive guide to the science of psychedelics—"the perfect intro for anyone curious about psychedelics and MDMA&” (Ethan Nadelmann, founder and former executive director, Drug Policy Alliance)--and how they can impact our health by world-renowned, leading authority Professor David Nutt. We are on the cusp of a major revolution in psychiatric medicine and neuroscience. After fifty years of prohibition, criminalization and fear, science is finally showing us that psychedelics are not dangerous or harmful. Instead, when used according to tested, safe and ethical guidelines, they are our most powerful newest treatment of mental health conditions, from depression, PTSD, and OCD to disordered eating and even addiction and chronic pain. Professor David Nutt, one of the world's leading Neuropsychopharmacologists, has spent 15 years researching this field and it is his most significant body of work to date. In 2018, he co-founded the first academic psychedelic research center - underpinned by his mission to provide evidence-based information for people everywhere. It revived interest in the understanding and use of this drug in its many forms, including MDMA, ayahuasca, magic mushrooms, LSD and ketamine. The results of this have been nothing short of ground-breaking for the future categorization of drugs, but also for what we now know about brain mechanisms and our consciousness. At a time where there is an enormous amount of noise around the benefits of psychedelics, this book contains the knowledge you need to know about a drug that is about to go mainstream, free from the hot air, direct from the expert. Are you ready to change your mind?
Psychiatric & Mental Health Nursing for Canadian Practice
by Mary Ann Boyd Wendy Austin Cindy Ann Peternelj-Taylor Diane KunykThoroughly written, extensively updated, and optimized for today’s evolving Canadian healthcare environment, Psychiatric & Mental Health Nursing for Canadian Practice, 5th Edition, equips students with the fundamental knowledge and skills to effectively care for diverse populations in mental health nursing practice. This proven, approachable text instills a generalist-level mastery of mental health promotion, assessment, and interventions in adults, families, children, adolescents, and older adults, delivering Canadian students the preparation they need to excel on the NCLEX® exam and make a confident transition to clinical practice.
Psychiatric & Mental Health Nursing for Canadian Practice (M - Medicine Ser.)
by Mary Ann Boyd Wendy Austin Cindy Ann Peternelj-Taylor Diane KunykMeet the challenges of mental health nursing—in Canada and around the world. Optimized for the unique challenges of Canadian health care and thoroughly revised to reflect the changing field of mental health, Psychiatric & Mental Health Nursing for Canadian Practice, 4th Edition, is your key to a generalist-level mastery of fundamental knowledge and skills in mental health nursing. Gain the knowledge you need to deliver quality psychiatric and mental health nursing care to a diverse population. • Discover the biological foundations of psychiatric disorders and master mental health promotion, assessment, and interventions for patients at every age. • Explore current research and key topics as you prepare for the unique realities of Canadian clinical practice. • Gain a deeper understanding of the historical trauma of Aboriginal peoples and its implications for nursing care. • Online Video Series, Lippincott Theory to Practice Video Series: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing includes videos of true-to-life patients displaying mental health disorders, allowing students to gain experience and a deeper understanding of mental health patients.
Psychiatric Aspects of Opiate Dependence (Routledge Revivals)
by Albert A. KurlandFirst published in 1978: This book discusses the Psychiatric effects of Opiate dependence.
Psychiatric Care in Severe Obesity
by Sanjeev Sockalingam Raed HawaThis book is designed to present a comprehensive, state-of the-art approach to assessing and managing bariatric surgery and psychosocial care. Unlike any other text, this book focuses on developing a biopsychosocial understanding of patients' obesity journey and psychosocial factors contributing to their obesity and its management from an integrated perspective. Psychiatric Care in Severe Obesity takes a 360 approach by covering the disease's prevalence and relationship to psychiatric illness and social factors, including genetics, neurohormonal pathways and development factors for obesity. This book presents evidence and strategies for assessing psychiatric issues in severe obesity and uses common psychiatric presentations to feature the impact on bariatric surgery and key assessment features for weight loss. Concluding chapters focus on evidence-based psychosocial treatments for supporting patients with weight loss and bariatric surgery and includes educational tools and checklists for assessment, treatment, and care. Experts on non-pharmacological interventions such as mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral therapy and nutrition education describe treatment approaches in each modality, concluding with pharmacological approaches for psychiatric conditions and eating pathology. Additional tools in the appendices support clinicians, making this the ultimate guide for managing psychiatric illness in patients suffering from severe obesity. As obesity continues to grow in prevalence as a medically recognized epidemic, Psychiatric Care in Severe Obesity serves a vital resource to medical students, psychiatrists, psychologists, bariatric surgeons, primary care physicians, dietitians, mental health nurses, social workers, and all medical professionals working with severely obese patients.
Psychiatric Case Studies for Advanced Practice
by Kathleen PrendergastGet much-needed exposure to real-world clinical scenarios and psychiatric evaluations, with this invaluable guide to positive, effective psychiatric advance practice nursing care. For an expert guide to providing patient-centered, evidence-based psychiatric care, keep Psychiatric Case Studies for Advanced Practice by your side. Practical and easy-to-follow, these more than 50 case scenarios clearly display the complaints, diagnoses, and treatments of the most common psychiatric disorders, supporting the critical decision-making skills of nurses practicing in a broad range of settings. Psychiatric, family, emergency, and general practice nurse practitioners of all experience levels will find this an invaluable aid for creating an informed, holistic practice. Follow the real-life cases and expert analysis of psychiatric patients of a wide variety of ages, backgrounds, and conditions . . . Real-world child, adolescent, adult, and geriatric inpatient and outpatient psychiatric case studies that emphasize problem-based learning and an evidence-based practice Current diagnostic content from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5), that includes DSM-5’s newer diagnoses—gender dysphoria, binge eating disorder, and autism spectrum, plus current treatments for alcohol and opiate addiction Sample routine screening tools that offer convenient checklists and handouts to support patient treatment Content presented in a simple format—organized by age and indexed by diagnostic category for quick reference Each case presented in a standard format: chief complaint, history, mental status, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, treatment plan, and rationale for treatment prescribed—with questions at the end that guide you to create a diagnosis using the DSM-5 Cases addressing a wide range of disorders and supporting all experience levels in a variety of treatment settings—counseling centers, correctional facilities, homeless shelters, inpatient psychiatric units, and hospital consultation and liaison services Treatments and rationales that represent current, evidence-based research—treatment sections divided into psychopharmacology, diagnostic tests, referral, psychotherapy, and psychoeducatio Supplemental teaching tool for graduate psychiatric nurse practitioner/APN programs
Psychiatric Casualties: How and Why the Military Ignores the Full Cost of War
by Professor Mark Russell Professor Charles FigleyThe psychological toll of war is vast, and the social costs of war’s psychiatric casualties extend even further. Yet military mental health care suffers from extensive waiting lists, organizational scandals, spikes in veteran suicide, narcotic overprescription, shortages of mental health professionals, and inadequate treatment. The prevalence of conditions such as post–traumatic stress disorder is often underestimated, and there remains entrenched stigma and fear of being diagnosed. Even more alarming is how the military dismisses or conceals the significance and extent of the mental health crisis.The trauma experts Mark C. Russell and Charles Figley offer an impassioned and meticulous critique of the systemic failures in military mental health care in the United States. They examine the persistent disconnect between war culture, which valorizes an appearance of strength and seeks to purge weakness, and the science and treatment of trauma. Instead of reckoning with the mental health crisis, the military has neglected the needs of service members. It has discharged, prosecuted, and incarcerated a large number of people struggling with the psychological realities of war, and it has inflicted humiliation, ridicule, and shame on many more. Through a far-reaching historical account, Russell and Figley detail how the military has perpetuated a self-inflicted crisis. The book concludes with actionable prescriptions for change and a comprehensive approach to significantly improving military mental health.
Psychiatric Consultation in Long-Term Care: A Guide for Health Care Professionals
by George T. Grossberg Abhilash K. DesaiStudies show that residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities are at a substantial risk of having psychiatric disorders. This practical volume provides much-needed clinical guidance for the prevention and appropriate treatment of mental illness in long-term care settings.Abhilash K. Desai and George T. Grossberg offer a basic framework for a humanistic, team-based approach to meeting the needs of elder persons with mental disorders in long-term care facilities. Early chapters cover the demographics of residents, the epidemiology of their psychiatric symptoms, and the assessment process. Subsequent chapters focus on major disorders, including dementia, delirium, depression, psychosis, and anxiety. The authors discuss end-of-life issues and treatments and offer suggestions for improving care. Throughout, they highlight the importance of the relationship between staff and residents.Emphasizing creative engagement and hands-on care and featuring clinical vignettes and practical tips, this optimistic volume reinforces the potential for nursing homes and assisted living facilities to be communities where residents thrive.
Psychiatric Criminology: A Roadmap for Rapid Assessment
by John A. Liebert, MD William J. Birnes, JD, PhDSince the shutdown of our public psychiatry system, the seriously mentally ill are now mostly managed by public safety officers, school officials, emergency first responders and social workers with little experience in recognizing symptoms, triggers and issues. This book addresses the need to recognize the psychiatric component of criminological issues and the methodology of dealing with it on a practical as well as academic basis. It provides a roadmap for training in rapid assessment built on evidence-based emergency psychiatry protocols.
Psychiatric Diagnosis Revisited
by Stijn VanheuleThis book explores the purpose of clinical psychological and psychiatric diagnosis, and provides a persuasive case for moving away from the traditional practice of psychiatric classification. It discusses the validity and reliability of classification-based approaches to clinical diagnosis, and frames them in their broader historical and societal context. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is used across the world in research and a range of mental health settings; here, Stijn Vanheule argues that the diagnostic reliability of the DSM is overrated, built on a limited biomedical approach to mental disorders that neglects context, and ultimately breeds stigma. The book subsequently makes a passionate plea for a more detailed approach to the study of mental suffering by means of case formulation. Starting from literature on qualitative research the author makes clear how to guarantee the quality of clinical case formulations.
Psychiatric Dilemma Of Adolescence
by James F. Masterson, M.D.This volume was first published in 1967 with an initial reissue in 1984. It is addressed to students of adolescent psychopathology in general and to students of the borderline and narcissistic personality disorders in particular. It was the first systematic research to challenge and place in perspective the then prevalent "adolescent turmoil" theory: the growth process of adolescence was producing symptoms which would subside as the patient grew older. This view had led to a tendency to deny the seriousness of psychopathology and, therefore, to postpone necessary treatment.
Psychiatric Disorders
by Firas H. KobeissyNew high throughput techniques in neuroscience and psychiatry have enhanced the development of experimental, customizable animal models that are predictive of human neuropsychiatric pathology and give vital insights on the mechanisms and pathways involved. In Psychiatric Disorders: Methods and Protocols, key experts have written integrated chapters on neuropsychiatric research sharing their insightful expertise and opinions focusing on both the animal models as well as the cutting edge techniques applied. Beginning with an overview of the animal research in psychiatric illness and substance abuse, this comprehensive volume continues with the modeling of neuropsychiatric illness, drug abuse paradigms and techniques, biomarker identification, autoimmune inflammatory response, and neuroendocrine alteration in the areas of psychiatry, as well as state-of-the-art "Omics approaches" and neurosystems biology/data mining techniques to compute and analyze genomic and proteomics alteration occurring within neuropsychiatric models. As a part of the highly successful Methods in Molecular BiologyTM series, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Thorough and easily applicable, Psychiatric Disorders: Methods and Protocols offers the detailed and clearly illustrated tools necessary for neuroscientists and psychiatrists to handle many unanswered scientific questions with a more creative and insightful approach.
Psychiatric Disorders Late in Life: A Comprehensive Review
by Rajesh R. Tampi Deena J. Tampi Lisa L. BoyleThough mental health recommendations for the elderly is rapidly evolving, the few current textbooks on this subject are either too voluminous or complex for regular review by clinicians, and most do not contain the latest information available in the field. Written by experts in geriatric psychiatry, this book provides a comprehensive yet concise review of the subject.The text covers topics that include the social aspect of aging, treatment and diagnosis options unique to the elderly in need of psychiatric care, policy and ethics, and particular geriatric health concerns that may influence psychiatric considerations.Psychiatric Disorders Late in Life is the ultimate resource for practicing psychiatrists, physicians, geriatricians, and medical students concerned with the mental healthcare of the elderly.
Psychiatric Disorders and Diabetes Mellitus
by Maria D Llorente Julie E MalphursDiabetes mellitus is a disease that affects millions of people and their families worldwide, and is increasingly recognized to be a growing public health problem among industrialized nations. Diabetes has been associated with a variety of co-occurring conditions, including cardiovascular disease, elevated lipid serum levels, and more recently, a va
Psychiatric Disorders in the Prison Population in the United States
by Hassaan Tohid Ian Hunter RutkofskyThis book discusses why different mental disorders arise in United States prison populations, explores potential solutions, and examines prevention. The US has one of the highest rates of incarceration in the world and prisoners have disproportionally high rates of mental health concerns, which significantly affect their daily functioning and increase rates of recidivism. The first section of the book focuses on the causes and prevention of specific disorders. The disorders covered include anxiety disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and antisocial personality disorder, amongst others commonly found in the incarcerated patient population. Following the disorder-focused chapters is a chapter discussing the current state of mental health and mental health support within the US prison system. The book closes with a chapter dedicated to mental health support during the already highly challenging transition from incarceration to societal reintegration. For individuals with mental health conditions, the difficulty of this time increases exponentially, and the chapter focuses on reducing the need for and increasing the availability of mental health services. Psychiatric Disorders in the Prison Population in the United States will be of great use to mental health providers that treat current or members or former members of the US prison population.
Psychiatric Disorders: Methods and Protocols (Methods in Molecular Biology #2011)
by Firas H. KobeissyThis second edition volume expands on the previous edition with updates to chapters and new chapters discussing the latest research in neuropsychiatric diseases. The chapters in this book are organized into eleven sections and cover the diversity and utility of animal models of psychiatric disorders, their development, modelling, and pathophysiological and molecular profiles. Part One looks at experimental modeling of neuropsychiatric studies and the usefulness and need of animal models. Parts Two and Three focus on experimental models of neuropsychiatric illnesses, including self-injurious behavior, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and learning and decision-making testing. Parts Four and Five discuss animal models of substance abuse. Part Six describes protocols to examine animal models related to maladaptive eating habits and behaviors. Parts Seven and Eight cover neurodegenerative diseases stemming from natural causes (aging), abnormal genetic backgrounds, or those brought on by trauma. Part Nine talks about inflammatory and metabolic alteration profiles relevant to autism spectrum disorders and depression. Parts Ten and Eleven conclude the book with a discussion on genetics, epigenetics, and system biology in the field of psychiatric disorders. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.Cutting-edge and thorough, Psychiatric Disorders: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition is a useful resource for graduates, postdoctoral workers, and established scientists working in the fields of behavioral and molecular neuropsychiatric research.
Psychiatric Drugs in Children and Adolescents
by Manfred Gerlach Andreas Warnke Laurence GreenhillThis book offers a comprehensive survey of the current state of knowledge in the field of neuro-psychopharmacology in childhood and adolescence. In the first part, the essentials of neuro-psychopharmacology are presented in order to provide a deeper understanding of the principles and particularities in the pharmacotherapy of children and adolescents. This part includes information on neurotransmitters and signal transduction pathways, molecular brain structures as targets for psychiatric drugs, characteristics of psychopharmacological therapy in children and adolescents, ontogenetic influences on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, and pharmacotherapy in the outpatient setting. The part on classes of psychiatric medications, which covers antidepressants, antipsychotics, anxiolytics and sedative-hypnotics, mood stabilizers, and psychostimulants and other drugs used in the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, provides sufficient background material to better understand how psychoactive drugs work, and why, when, and for whom they should be used. For each drug within a class, information on its mechanisms of action, clinical pharmacology, indications, dosages, and cognate issues are reviewed. In the third part, the disorder-specific and symptom-oriented medication is described and discerningly evaluated from a practical point of view, providing physicians with precise instructions on how to proceed. Psychiatric Drugs in Children and Adolescents includes numerous tables, figures and illustrations and offers a valuable reference work for child and adolescent psychiatrists and psychotherapists, pediatricians, general practitioners, psychologists, and nursing staff, as well as teachers.
Psychiatric Encounters: Madness and Modernity in Yucatan, Mexico (Medical Anthropology)
by Beatriz M. Reyes-FosterPsychiatric Encounters presents an intimate portrait of a public inpatient psychiatric facility in the Southeastern state of Yucatan, Mexico. The book explores the experiences of patients and psychiatrists as they navigate the challenges of public psychiatric care in Mexico. While international reports condemning conditions in Mexican psychiatric institutions abound, Psychiatric Encounters considers the large- and small-scale obstacles to quality care encountered by doctors and patients alike as they struggle to live and act like human beings under inhumane conditions. Beatriz Mireya Reyes-Foster closely examines the impact of the Mexican state’s neoliberal health reforms on how patients access care and doctors perform their duties. Engaging with madness, modernity, and identity, Psychiatric Encounters considers the enduring role of colonialism in the context of Mexico's troubled contemporary mental health care institutions.
Psychiatric Epidemiology: Progress and Prospects (Routledge Revivals)
by Brian CooperFirst published in 1987, Psychiatric Epidemiology brings together global contemporary research and data relating to psychiatric epidemiology. The book comprises edited papers from the World Psychiatric Association symposium held in Edinburgh, September 1985. Divided into six parts, it covers demographic and ecological surveys; life events, stress and social support; longitudinal and cohort studies; epidemiology and clinical issues; alcoholism and alcohol-related disorders; and epidemiology in mental health service planning. Psychiatric Epidemiology will appeal to those with an interest in the history of psychiatric epidemiology and mental health.
Psychiatric Ethics in Late-Life Patients: Medicolegal and Forensic Aspects at the Interface of Mental Health
by Aarti Gupta Meera Balasubramaniam Rajesh R. TampiThe process of aging is frequently associated with changes in the physical and mental functioning of older adults, challenging their autonomy and rendering them vulnerable to exploitation. Certain illnesses that are more common in older adults can affect their capacity to function independently. These include the capacity to make medical decisions, live independently, manage finances, to name a few. Healthcare professionals, especially psychiatrists are often entrusted with the responsibility of assessing an older adult’s capacity to perform one or more functions. This makes it imperative for them to be cognizant of these issues, understand the need for these evaluations, and be able to conduct them in a comprehensive manner. Another way of protecting an older person’s rights and facilitating a life based on their own decisions even after they lose decision making capacity is Advanced Health Care Planning (AHCP). Health care professionals are required to initiate a discussion about AHCP with their patients and their families and review it periodically. Lastly, the older adults incarcerated in prisons is a group that is growing in numbers. They have unique needs at the intersection of the geriatric and forensic services, but are often marginalized by both services. The combination of poor quality of life and increasing costs makes the care of older adults in the criminal justice system makes this topic an important public health concern. There is a pressing need for better training of prison staff in issues of geriatric psychiatry. Assessment of criminal responsibility and competence to stand trial in aging offenders are other complex but under-studied issues. This proposed book will provide a comprehensive view of ethical, medicolegal, and forensic issues that will be useful in clinical practice. There will be three sub-sections, each focusing on ethical, medicolegal and forensic issues respectively. The first section will focus on ethical issues. Its first chapters will provide an overview of the how age and the process of aging influence decision-making and introduce unique ethical dimensions to clinical care. This will be followed by a discussion of the concepts of informed consent and capacity evaluation. The next chapters will focus on common scenarios that arise in the care of elderly patients and offer a practical approach to understanding and managing them. These will include assessments of the capacity to make medical decisions, the capacity to live independently, manage finances, drive a vehicle, have sexual relations etc. A chapter on ethical issues specific to dementia will outline issues related to diagnostic disclosure and genetic testing. Research ethics issues in geriatric psychiatry will also be outlined. The next section of the book will focus on surrogate decision making in an older adult who has been deemed to lack the capacity to serve one or more functions independently. The first chapters in this sub-section will focus on patient directed advance health care planning tools, namely, living will and power of attorney. This will be followed by an overview of default surrogate making. Guardianship will subsequently be covered. A separate chapter will cover the issue of elder abuse and discuss an approach to assessing it. The last section of the book will cover forensic issues in geriatric psychiatry. The first chapter will discuss aging older adults in the criminal justice system from an epidemiological perspective. The growing numbers of incarcerated older adults, their illness burden, the challenges in the diagnosis and management of neurocognitive disorders in the prison setting will be elucidated. The following chapter will discuss competence to stand trial with reference to elderly offenders. This will be followed by a discussion of the concepts of medical reprieve, compassionate release as well as model programs and policies currently in the works for older incarcerated adults.
Psychiatric Genetics
by Frank Bellivier Marion LeboyerPsychiatric Genetics provides the reader with a complete view of the methodological problems encountered in psychiatry genetics and proposes solutions to commonly occurring questions. The best European and American specialists have given a thorough review on the advantages and disadvantages of genetic epidemiological methods, the way to choose a genetic marker or a clinical interview and how to ascertain patients, unaffected relatives and controls and what should be the criteria to include a case or a control. New phenotypic methods are described focusing on candidate symptom and endophenotype approaches. Examples coming from cognitive neurosciences, biochemistry, electrophysiology and brain imaging techniques are reviewed. This book will serve as an essential handbook for psychiatrists, psychologists, and geneticists involved in the genetics of psychiatric disorders.