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.

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.