This practical manual presents the main drugs and protocols currently used in the psychopharmacological treatment of psychiatric disorders in cancer and palliative care settings and explores the principal issues involved in such treatment. Significant clinical challenges encountered in the psychopharmacological management of various psychiatric conditions are discussed, covering aspects such as side-effects and drug-drug interactions. Attention is also paid to the emerging theme of adjuvant use of psychotropic drugs for the treatment of symptoms or syndromes not primarily related to psychiatric disorders. In addition, practical suggestions are provided for dealing with special populations, including children and the elderly. The book is designed to be easy to read and to reference, with helpful concise tables and boxes. The authors include some of the most renowned clinicians working in the field of psycho-oncology.

Presents the main drugs and protocols used in the psychopharmacological treatment of psychiatric disorders in cancer and palliative care settings

Part I: General aspects in psychopharmacological treatment: General principles of psychopharmacological treatment.- Diagnostic issues and strategies in psycho-oncology.- The role of doctor-patient relationship in psychopharmacology.- Integration of psychopharmacotherapy with other psychiatric/psychosocial treatment.- End-of-Life care and psychopharmacology.- Part II: Psychotropic drug use in clinical oncology and palliative care settings: Treatment of anxiety and stress-related disorders.- Treatment of depression.- Treatment of insomnia.- Treatment of delirium and confusional states.- Treatment of psychotic disorders.- Treatment of pain.- Part III: Special issues in psychopharmacology: Treatment of psychiatric emergencies.- Psychopharmacology in childhood and adolescence.- Psychopharmacology in the elderly.- Sedation of psychological distress at the end of life.- Research issues in psychopharmacology in oncology and palliative care settings.- Ethics of psychopharmacological and biological treatments in psycho-oncology.