ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the physiological basis of mental health problems and neurological disorders and the action of the major drug groups used in the treatment of these problems.
Introduction
11.1 The neurophysiological basis of mental health and neurological disorders Neurotransmitters in the brain
11.2 The principles of drug treatment for mental health and neurological disorders Mental health drugs and dependence
11.3 Drugs used in the treatment of mental health disorders Mental health drug group 1: anxiolytics Mental health drug group 2: hypnotics Mental health drug group 3: antidepressants Mental health drug group 4: antipsychotics Mental health drug group 5: anti-manic drugs
11.4 Drugs used in the treatment of neurological disorders Drugs used in the control of epilepsy Drugs used in the control of Parkinson’s disease Drugs used in the control of Alzheimer’s disease
References and further recommended reading Test yourself
The chapter contains some brief case studies and ends with self-test questions to help you to ensure you have understood the neurophysiological nature of mental health problems, neurological disorders and the pharmacology of drugs used to treat those disorders.
