A sound knowledge base with readily available information about the effects, benefits and side-effects of drugs is an important part of the health education role of all health care professionals. This is particularly important in the case of psychotrophic drugs where resulting behavioural and physical changes are sometimes closely tied up with the presenting condition. "Project 2000" students on the Mental Health Branch should find this book of particular relevance as it is a holistic approach to care. "Psychiatric Drugs Explained" explores in clear language those topics associated with the major classifications of psychotrophic drugs. The drug regimes for management of psychoses, affective disorders, anxiety, insomnia, cognitive impairment and sexual dysfunction are all considered in turn, along with details on how the drug concerned may interfere with individual functioning or impinge on individual well-being. Through the use of this book, the reader should be able to fully inform patients of the nature of their prescribed compound, the potential benefits and possible side-effects. This is to help enlist the patients participation in managing their own medication and their condition. The author's use of first person accounts of the effects of taking these drugs should enable the reader to empathize with the patient.