Psychiatric drugs account for over a quarter of all doctor's prescriptions. With the introduction of Prosac as the latest medical miracle that figure is likely to increase. But do we really need to take these drugs? How do they work, and what are the side-effects? Every year MIND receives over 10, 000 enquiries about psychiatric drugs and their side effects. Used properly they are of enormous benefit to mental health. When abushed or used indiscriminately however they will exacerbate rather than control depressice illness. Used for a whole range of mental problems - from mild depression to schizophrenia - psychiatric drugs still account of a major part of all NHS prescriptions. THE MIND COMPLETE GUIDE TO PSYCHIATRIC DRUGS tells you what the drugs are, what they do, how to understand a prescription, and how to get the best out of your doctor. With special advice, too, on the use of tranquillisers in pregnancy, old age and childhood, this an an invaluable bible for patients, relatives, and everyone in the mental health profession.