This unique book seeks a more gender-sensitive approach to pharmacologic research and treatment by focusing on scholarly work connecting psychopharmacology and feminism. The chapters document the links between feminism, women's studies, and practice and research in psychopharmacology. Psychopharmacology From a Feminist Perspective explores the relationship between feminism and psychopharmacology and stresses the need to make drug testing and treatment gender-sensitive. Chapters range from feminist critiques of science and medicine to the roles of sex and gender in determining responsivity to psychoactive drugs. Psychopharmacology From a Feminist Perspective helps therapists and their female patients understand sex differences in pharmacology and the need, in some cases, to tailor drug dosages for women. Contributing authors, both women and men, include psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and laypersons. They cover a wide array of topics, including:
- patterns of drug use by gender
- recognition of sex/gender differences in medication side-effects
- the impact of medication side-effects on clients’willingness to cooperate with treatment recommendations
- special aspects of prescribing for women of color
- how women's reports of medication side-effects are often dismissed
- how women and the elderly are portrayed in psychotropic drug advertisementsThis illuminating book is appropriate for all levels of nonphysician therapists who work with clients receiving medication, psychiatrists and other physician prescribers of psychoactive drugs, policymakers, and women's studies scholars. Psychopharmacology From a Feminist Perspective is an involving reader for graduate courses in women's health and feminist critiques of science, as well as an informative reference for professionals involved in therapy and the dispensing of psychoactive drugs.
