Drug Treatment of Neurotic Disorders: Focus on Alprazolam [antikvár]

PrefaceIn November 1984, 150 physicians assembled in Vienna to review recent concepts inthe treatment of neurotic disorders. The papers from this symposium have beengathered together in this volume which should form a useful addition to theliterature in this important area of psychiatry. The first section details thepharmacology, biochemistry and prescribing of benzodiazepines whereas latersections review the diagnosis and management of anxiety states, depressed moodand panic disorders. On a general level, there is much discussion concerning theclassification of neurotic disorders. Although classification is less important whentreating the individual patient it assumes great significance when communicatingand comparing information with other clinicians and researchers, informationwhich may concern the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of patients.Benzodiazepines now form the major treatment in the management of anxietystates. There is debate however concerning the usage of benzodiazepines are theyused indiscriminately, or on the contrary are they not used when they might behelpful? Due to worries about the side-effects and overdosage risks of the tricyclicantidepressants, benzodiazepines are being investigated in depressive states and inpanic disorders. Alprazolam is a recently developed triazolobenzodiazepine whichappears to have a broader psychotropic profile than traditional benzodiazepines.The first question we should ask is does alprazolam differ from all otherbenzodiazepines? Indeed it does, but three more questions need debating. How is itdifferent? In which patients is it different? Why is it different? We look forward tothe new concepts and expectations which are generated in this volume.The editors would like to express their thanks to the authors, and in particular toJean Hudson for editorial assistance in preparing manuscripts for publication.M.H.L.H.C.D.