Psych Meds Made Simple: How & Why They Do What They Do is the first book by Ashley L. Peterson from MH@H Books.
You can find it on:
- Amazon (ebook & paperback)
- Apple Books
- Google Play
- Kobo
- MH@H Store (discounted ebook)
About the book
People living with mental illness are often left out of the loop when it comes to understanding how exactly medications work. This book will explain pharmacology in a simplified, accessible way to help you understand the effects, both positive and negative, of psychiatric medications and why these effects occur. It’s everything you didn’t realize you wanted to know about medications!
Psych Meds Made Simple begins with the essentials of pharmacology and then moves on to cover all the major classes of psychiatric medications. You’ll learn why one medication in a particular class might be a better fit for you than another. Are you having weight gain from your medication? You’ll find out why, and what other meds may be less likely to have the same side effect.
I’ve pulled together what I’ve learned in my training as a nurse and (former) pharmacist and years of clinical experience, added in my personal perspective from having taken many of these medications, and distilled it all down to the essential elements you need to know.
I’ve written this book from the perspective that medications can be a powerful tool against mental illness; however, they’re not a cure and they should never be the only tool in your toolbox. The more you know, the better position you’re in to make decisions about your own health and illness.
Chapter List
- Neurotransmitters and receptors
- Psychopharmacology fundamentals – how medications behave inside the body
- Antidepressants
- Mood stabilizers
- Antipsychotics
- Anxiolytics and sedatives
- Stimulants
- Putting the pieces together
Readers’ Responses to Psych Meds Made Simple
Overall, Psych Meds Made Simple was a great read. Author Ashley Peterson cares deeply about providing readers with non-judgmental, science-based information, and her writing reflects that. In a misinformation-riddled society that deeply stigmatizes mental illness, Psych Meds Made Simple is a compassionate and scientifically accurate breath of fresh air.
– Hannah Celeste, Books and Bakes
This book is what we need to understand about mental health medication, as it’s written in most simplified form and covers a wide range of medicines. I am truly grateful to Ashley for coming up with this idea and executing it so brilliantly!
– N.F. Mirza on Amazon
I loved this book and I recommend it for anyone who’s confused about their medications and wants to learn more about how they interact with their brain.
– Casey Elizabeth Dennis, This Bipolar Brat
I learned so much, and I honestly marvel at the depth of the research… In my country, there is still such a pervasive culture of the doctor knows best, and the patient is just supposed to take them medication. Now, some patients and carers can start asking real questions while requesting for medication adjustments and re-adjustments.
– Marie Abanga, MAG’s Blog
The book itself was very user-friendly. I’m a therapist and I can see myself referring to this book as I work with clients who are receiving medication management.
– Johnzelle Anderson, Panoramic Counseling
A useful book for those wishing to understand more about the action and function of certain medications or with a general interest in medicine.
– Karen Horsley, author of I Am the Stars in the Sky
Purchased this book, very easy to read and understand, particularly for volunteers who are new to mental health. Will purchase 5 more for our volunteers on Amazon – well done Ashley.
— Care in Mind (@CareinMind) on Twitter
What an incredible wealth of information! Having taken some of these drugs myself for years and having concerns about each new one I have tried, I wish I would have had this handy book sooner! … Definitely recommended for anyone wanting to understand these drugs, their effects, and potential benefits.
– Maranda Russell, author of No More Grumpies
Ashley has a real talent for breaking down the language between psychiatrists and patients. She presents the information in a way that makes it easy to digest… This book is a must-have…
– Revenge of Eve on Amazon
It reads as a great primer for anyone who wants to understand psychopharmacology, written by someone who’s been there both personally and professionally.
– Meg Kimball, author of Unraveled, on Goodreads
I’m so grateful that Ashley Peterson has created a book that will be of tremendous help to the mental health community and beyond!
– Dyane Harwood, author of Birth of a New Brain
About Ashley L. Peterson
I began my career in health care as a pharmacist in 2002, and quickly returned to school to become a nurse two years later. I specialized in the field of mental health for my entire 15-year career, working with people with serious mental illness in both hospital and community settings.
Two years into my nursing career, I was hospitalized with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder. Since then, I’ve been passionate about challenging the stigma around mental illness. I completed a Master of Psychiatric Nursing degree in 2015, despite two hospitalizations while in grad school. My thesis work and several academic journal publications focused on my experience of mental illness within the context of nursing culture.
More on Psych Meds on MH@H
For more posts on psychiatric medications, visit the Blog Index. There’s also a Psych Meds 101 series covering:
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