Abstract
This book, in its new and revised sixth edition, joins many other important contributions by the author, Professor Stahl, directed toward the continuing education of physicians in the field of psychopharmacology. Dedicating this book to the class of antipsychotics is a good indication of how much the field of antipsychotics has expanded over the past few years. The book covers 34 antipsychotic medications, both old and new. Each antipsychotic is presented under 5 categories: Therapeutics, Side Effects, Dosing and Use, Special Population, and the Art of Psychopharmacology. Each category is designated by a different colour. The information given about each category is concise enough to be practical for the clinician reader but also informative enough to give the essentials that clinician readers need to master for the rational prescription of antipsychotics.
The very short list of references provided under each antipsychotic can be enhanced by adding a few recent publications about outcomes, related to the individual medication. This would not necessarily burden the reader, but it underscores the importance of other outcomes beyond symptom improvement.
A valuable contribution to this edition is the inclusion of special information about the art of switching between medications, which can be challenging at times. As I had the pleasure of reviewing the previous edition in this journal a few years ago, I can confidently note that this sixth edition is well written and illustrated, well organized, highly informative, and up to date. As a quick guide for clinicians, the book focuses on the essentials but also wisely suggests consulting textbooks or recent literature for more detailed information. The book certainly provides the science behind the art of prescribing antipsychotics. Indeed, there is no art in clinical practice without a strong science base, and that is what this book strives to provide. I believe this book needs to be available on the desk of every clinician’s office or clinic.
Professor Stahl deserves to be complimented on his continued contributions.