This book focuses on the value of supervised Disulfiram therapy, highlighting the many potential and unique benefits of Disulfiram. One of the oldest drugs available for the long-term management of alcohol dependence, Disulfiram remains a viable treatment option for alcohol dependence and has been shown in recent studies to be more successful in treating patients with alcohol dependence than Naltrexone, Topiramate and Acamprosate. It is also useful in dual diagnosis patients and those with co-morbid cocaine and alcohol dependence. Although Disulfiram's mechanism of action in alcohol dependence was long thought to be its effects as a psychological deterrent, more recent studies point to potential anti-craving effects as well. In dedicated chapters, the book reviews major clinical trials of Disulfiram spanning nearly 60 years, its historical aspects and discovery, side effects, treatment protocols and uses in the context of alcohol dependence. The book also discusses the use ofDisulfiram across diverse populations along with monitoring for compliance and various adverse effects that may manifest. Further topics include Disulfiram implant therapy and the role of Disulfiram in the modern long-term pharmacotherapy of alcohol dependence, as well as the role of cognitive behavior therapy in enhancing the effects of Disulfiram and the emerging role of Disulfiram in treating cocaine dependence and pathological gambling. As such, the book offers a "one-stop" comprehensive guide to all aspects of Disulfiram therapy.

Autorentext
Dr. Avinash De Sousa is a Consultant Psychiatrist & Psychotherapist. He currently works as a Research Associate at the Department of Psychiatry, Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College in Mumbai, India. He is also the Founder Trustee of the Desousa Foundation, a trust that works in the area of mental health awareness across all sectors. As a Visiting Faculty Member and Professor, he is frequently engaged in various Teacher Training Courses across Mumbai and across India. He has produced more than 380 publications in national and international journals and is the author of 6 books in the area of mental health. His primary research interests are in child psychiatry, alcohol dependence, Disulfiram and schizophrenia. One of the few psychiatrists who in addition to a psychiatry degree also holds a Master's degree in Counseling & Psychotherapy, an M Phil in Applied Psychology, and an MBA in Human Resource Development, he was also awarded a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Hertfordshire (UK) in 2011.

Inhalt

History and discovery.- Mechanism of action and pharmacology.- Use in alcohol dependence.- Use in cocaine dependence.- Use in pathological gambling.- In combination with other therapies for alcohol dependence.- Side effects and their management.-Use in special populations with alcohol dependence.-Is it an underused drug.- The road ahead and future research needs.- Ethical issues.- Non psychiatric uses an overview.