In its 40th anniversary edition, A Primer of Drug Action continues to evolve side by side with the field it covers, drawing on the expertise of its authors in medicine, basic science, and clinical science to offer the most current and comprehensive guide to psychopharmacology available. A Primer of Drug Action addresses the mechanisms of action of each drug and drug class presented current theories about the etiology of major psychological disorders and rationales for drug treatment, and the uses and limitations of psychopharmacology in patient care. Now in its 13th Edition, this definitive guide has been completely revised and updated to again make it the most current and comprehensive introduction to the pharmacology of drugs that affect the mind and behaviour.

Author Biography

Claire D. Advokat is Professor of Psychology at Louisiana State University, USA. Her primary interest is in understanding the clinical effectiveness and the mechanism of action of drugs used in the treatment of mental illness, such as the antipsychotics, antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and anxiolytics. Joseph Comaty is Adjunct Professor at Louisiana State University, USA. His primary area of research is clinical psychopharmacology. In particular, he is interested in the study of the clinical treatment for the major psychiatric disorders of schizophrenia, major depression, and bipolar disorder. Robert M. Julien, M.D., was previously an Associate Professor of Pharmacology and Anesthesiology at the Oregon Health Sciences University, USA. His many research articles focus on the psychopharmacology of sedative and antiepileptic drugs. Robert M. Julien currently practices anesthesiology in Portland, Oregon.