ABSTRACT
This chapter will discuss the concept of monotherapy, covering overlap and “indications.” It will discuss what the target of the medication is, and how to select a starting dose and a loading dose. The chapter will cover how to select medication in: the previously treated patient; the liver-impaired patient; and the kidney-impaired patient. It will explain how many pills to prescribe, examining the use of polypharmacy and the changing perception of this method of prescribing. The chapter will conclude by outlining the five points of education about psychotropics, covering informed consent, involuntary medication, the use of placebo, and the concept of education as a form of treatment.
