Psychotropic Drugs and Women: Fast Facts

by Victoria Hendrick M.D., Michael Gitlin M.D.

Overview

At a time when the use of psychotropic drugs is on the rise and the medical understanding of female physiology is becoming increasingly complex, the specific treatment needs of women seeking psychiatric or psychological care demand special attention. Designed as a practical day-to-day clinical practice guide, Psychotropic Drugs and Women provides information for the treatment of psychiatric disorders across the reproductive lives of women.

Whereas potential risks of medication exposure during pregnancy had once been the key consideration when prescribing psychotropic drugs, research has shown that throughout a woman's life there are other no-less-important risks and reactions unique to the female physiology. Inside this book, readers will find extended discussions of the medication of depressive disorders, bipolar disorders, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and eating disorders. Key drug classes such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, anxiolytics, mood stabilizers, and stimulants are discussed throughout as they apply to these various disorders. There are also wide-ranging chapters addressing the general implications of female physiology on psychopharmacology as well as the female reproductive system and central nervous system. Bibliographies corresponding to each chapter point clinicians in the right direction when further research is required.

As with other volumes in Norton's 'Fast Facts' series, Psychotropic Drugs and Women: Fast Facts presents all the critical information pertaining to prescription, cross-indication, and side effects, often in easy-to-read tables and charts. This handy guide is essential reading for all physicians and mental health professionals.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780393704211
Publisher:	Norton, W. W. & Company, Inc.
Publication date:	04/17/2004
Series:	Fast Facts
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	256
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Victoria Hendrick, M.D., is Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the UCLA Neuropsychiatric Hospital. Her research focuses on the treatment of psychiatric disorders during pregnancy and nursing and she has published extensively on topics related to perinatal psychiatry and women's mental health.

Michael Gitlin, M.D., is Professor of Clinical Psychiatry and Director of the Adult Division, UCLA Department of Psychiatry, and Director of the Mood Disorders Clinic at the UCLA Neuropsychiatric Hospital.

Table of Contents

	Abbreviations	xi
	Preface	xiii
	Acknowledgments	xv
1.	General Considerations in the Psychopharmacological Treatment of Women	3
	Introduction	3
	The Use of Psychiatric Medications for Women of All Ages	6
	The Use of Psychiatric Medications in Women of Reproductive Age	7
	General Principles for Use of Psychotropic Medications During Pregnancy	9
	General Principles for Use of Psychotropic Medications During Breast-Feeding	14
	The Use of Psychiatric Medications for Peri- and Postmenopausal Women	17
	The Use of Psychiatric Medications for Elderly Women	18
2.	Gender Differences in Psychopharmacology	21
	Introduction	21
	Gender Differences in Pharmacokinetics of Medications	22
	Gender Differences in Cytochrome P450 System	23
	Effect of Menstrual Cycle on Drug Metabolism	24
	Effect of Pregnancy on Drug Metabolism	24
	Effect of Menopausal Status on Drug Metabolism	25
	Drug Interactions	25
3.	Depressive Disorders	31
	Introduction	31
	Antidepressants	35
	Phases of Treatment	48
	Treatment Considerations for Women of Reproductive Age	49
	Treatment of Depression During Pregnancy	50
	Pharmacological Treatment of Postpartum Depression	58
	Use of Antidepressants During Breast-Feeding	59
	Treatment Considerations for Peri- and Postmenopausal Women	62
	Treatment Considerations for Elderly Women	63
	Treatment-Resistant Depression	63
4.	Bipolar Disorder	71
	Introduction	71
	Mood Stabilizers/Antimanic Agents	73
	Phases of Treatment	90
	Treatment Considerations for Women of Reproductive-Age	92
	Treatment of Bipolar Disorder During Pregnancy	94
	Treatment of Bipolar Disorder Following Delivery	100
	Use of Mood Stabilizers During Breast-Feeding	101
	Treatment Considerations for Peri- and Postmenopausal Women	104
	Treatment Considerations for Elderly Women	104
	Bipolar Depression	105
5.	Anxiety Disorders and Insomnia	107
	Introduction	107
	Pharmacological Treatment of Anxiety Disorders	109
	Treatment Considerations for Women of Reproductive Age	122
	Treatment of Anxiety Disorders During Pregnancy	123
	Treatment of Anxiety Disorders During Breast-Feeding	125
	Treatment Considerations for Peri- and Postmenopausal Women	126
	Treatment Considerations for Elderly Women	126
	Treatment of Insomnia	126
6.	Schizophrenia	131
	Introduction	131
	Antiposychotic Agents	133
	Phases of Treatment	147
	Treatment Considerations for Women of Reproductive Age	148
	Treatment of Schizophrenia During Pregnancy	149
	Treatment of Schizophrenia During Breast-Feeding	153
	Treatment Considerations for Peri- and Postmenopausal Women	154
	Treatment Considerations for Elderly Women	155
	Strategies for Treatment Resistance	155
7.	Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder	157
	Introduction	157
	Evaluation of Women Presenting with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder	158
	Treatments for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder	160
8.	Eating Disorders	167
	Introduction	167
	Treatment of Anorexia and Bulimia Nervosa	169
	Pharmacological Treatments for Bulimia Nervosa and Binge-Eating Disorder	170
	Pharmacological Treatments for Anorexia Nervosa	172
	Treatment of Eating Disorders During Pregnancy	173
	Treatment of Eating Disorders Following Delivery	174
9.	Female Reproductive Hormones and the Central Nervous System	177
	Review of Female Endocrinology	177
	Hormone Supplementation	180
	Hormones and Mood	182
Appendix 1.	Drug Identification by Generic Name	187
Appendix 2.	Drug Identification by Brand Name	191
	Bibliography	195
	Index	219