Pharmacotherapy is the cornerstone of practice for many psychiatrists today. The busy clinician may have only 15 minutes with each patient to prescribe, monitor, and initiate changes in the medication regimen. Yet even as the field of psychiatry evolves, the doctor-patient relationship still plays a critical role in clinical course and outcome of treatment. This invaluable book shows prescribing clinicians how to make the most of limited time with patients to establish a strong therapeutic relationship and maximize treatment adherence. Concise guidelines are provided for rapidly building the therapeutic alliance; conducting a thorough diagnostic interview; eliciting open, honest reports from patients on the effects of medications; and helping patients address interpersonal issues that may be hindering treatment. Also explored are ways to enhance collaboration between professionals when the treatment is split between a psychotherapist and a prescribing physician. Demonstrating how to put the principles discussed into daily practice, the book includes a wealth of clearly presented case examples.
Many clients in psychotherapy today are also taking psychiatric medications. In the jigsaw puzzle of patient care, the prescribing clinician and the therapist each play a crucial role in monitoring medication effects and facilitating overall treatment success. Designed primarily for psychiatrists, this invaluable book demonstrates how to build strong working relationships with patients even when one is 'only prescribing.' Guidelines are provided to help the clinician rapidly develop the therapeutic alliance, conduct a thorough diagnostic interview, elicit open, honest reports from patients on the effects of medications, and understand issues that may be hindering adherence. For nonpsychiatrists, the book offers a deeper understanding of the role of the psychiatrist and of medications in the lives of their patients. Readers on either side of the disciplinary divide will appreciate the book's wealth of case examples, attention to both medical and psychosocial concerns in pharmacotherapy, and practical recommendations for managing split treatment effectively. Special attention is given to the importance of information-sharing around such issues as changes in the medication regimen or in the patient's clinical presentation.
Allan Tasman, MD, currently Professor and Chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Louisville, served as President of the American Psychiatric Association in 1999-2000. Dr. Tasman is a nationally known psychiatric educator, psychoanalyst, and cognitive neuroscience researcher. He has a longstanding interest in the clinical integration of biological, psychological, and psychosocial treatment approaches.
Michelle B. Riba, MD, MS, is Clinical Associate Professor and Associate Chair for Education and Academic Affairs, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan. She is currently Secretary of the American Psychiatric Association; President of the American Association of Directors of Psychiatric Residency Training; and President-Elect of the Association of Academic Psychiatry. Dr. Riba is a consultation-liaison psychiatrist and is Director of the Psycho-Oncology Program at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center. Dr. Riba has authored or edited over fourteen books, 10 chapters, and 20 papers, and lectures nationally and internationally on topics on education and combining psychopharmacology and psychotherapy in clinical practice. She serves on national guideline committees on various aspects of psycho-oncology.
Kenneth Silk, MD, is Associate Professor and Associate Chair of Clinical and Administrative Affairs in the Department of Psychiatry, and Chair, Faculty Group Practice Board, at the University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Dr. Silk obtained his medical training at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and his psychiatry training at Yale. He is an active clinician and teacher whose research interests are in the area of personality disorders. He is the editor of two books.
