This handbook reviews promising applications of psychedelics in treatment of such challenging psychiatric problems as posttraumatic stress disorder, major depression, substance use disorders, and end-of-life anxiety. Experts from multiple disciplines synthesize current knowledge on psilocybin, MDMA, ketamine, and other medical hallucinogens. The volume comprehensively examines these substances' neurobiological mechanisms, clinical effects, therapeutic potential, risks, and anthropological and historical contexts. Coverage ranges from basic science to practical clinical considerations, including patient screening and selection, dosages and routes of administration, how psychedelic-assisted sessions are structured and conducted, and management of adverse reactions.

About the Author

Charles S. Grob, MD, is Professor of Psychiatry and Pediatrics at the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, and Director of the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. He previously held faculty positions at the Johns Hopkins University and the University of California, Irvine. Dr. Grob has conducted approved clinical research with psychedelics since the early 1990s and has published numerous articles on psychedelics in the medical and psychiatric literatures, as well as several books. He is a founding board member of the Heffter Research Institute.

Jim Grigsby, PhD, is Professor in the Department of Psychology, and in the Division of Health Care Policy and Research of the Department of Medicine, at the University of Colorado Denver. His research and over 250 publications have focused on neuropsychology, cognitive neuroscience, telemedicine, and other areas of health services research. His work in neuroscience includes extensive research on executive functioning and on the clinical phenotypes of fragile x-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS), of which he was a co-discoverer. Dr. Grigsby's current research interests include the the therapeutic use and mechanisms of psilocybin and MDMA.

Reviews

"If you're looking for a comprehensive work on hallucinogens, this is it! This book can benefit all, from novice to expert. Grob and Grigsby take the reader on a journey through all aspects of medical hallucinogens, including their neuroscience, therapeutic considerations, and more. The book dives into individual hallucinogens and incorporates contributions from leading experts in the field. This is the ideal reference and text for the current renaissance of psychedelic research."--Rick Doblin, PhD, Executive Director, Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies

"This volume is a wide-ranging, interdisciplinary, state-of-the-art overview of the powerful and curious chemicals variously known as hallucinogens, psychedelics, and entheogens. The Handbook surveys their history, cross-cultural use, therapeutic potentials, and implications for our understanding of human psychology and mental health."--Roger Walsh, MD, PhD, DHL, Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry, Philosophy, and Anthropology, University of California, Irvine

"This fantastic book has managed to thoughtfully address literally every aspect of psychedelics and psychedelic medicine in a single volume. Following an in-depth history of these medicines, with special attention paid to cultural and ecological aspects, chapters examine the major psychedelic compounds, neuroscience, psychotherapeutic elements, and specific clinical indications, before concluding with explorations of philosophical and existential implications. A superb addition to the field, this is an excellent resource for both the newcomer looking for a thorough introduction to psychedelics and the experienced clinician who seeks a deeper understanding of these substances' history and psychotherapeutic potentials."--Franklin King IV, MD, Director, Training and Education, Center for Neuroscience of Psychedelics, Massachusetts General Hospital; Instructor, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School

"The Handbook of Medical Hallucinogensis my go-to text for students interested in learning more about the pharmacology of psychedelics, their history and place in culture, and their future in healthcare practice."--Andrew Penn, MS, PMHNP-BC, Clinical Professor, School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco-

Book Information
ISBN 9781462551897
Author Charles S. Grob
Format Paperback
Page Count 582
Imprint Guilford Press
Publisher Guilford Publications
Weight(grams) 980g