Sandra A. Jacobson, M.D., is a Research Associate Professor at the University of Arizona College of Medicine–Phoenix and the Banner Family Medicine Geriatric Fellowship Program in Sun City, Arizona.
The purpose of the book is to identify and discuss the clinical usefulness of laboratory tests used for psychiatric or behavioral health care. This is a worthy objective well met by this edition. The book contains three major sections: a listing and discussion of laboratory tests, clinical diseases and conditions, and screening and monitoring of psychotropic medications. It includes a clear and concise introduction touting the basic principles of laboratory medicine (e.g., when to test). The book maintains a standardized format throughout all sections, including key aspects presented in tables. Readers can easily find a test/disease or condition/psychotropic medication of interest, with a quick glance to identify relevant information. In the introductory section on Genetic Testing, it would be useful to note that informed consent may be required, as such testing can inform family members in addition to the index patient. The book includes five appendices reviewing useful and basic information on other important issues (e.g., EKG assessments and tips for reading neuroimages). This book is a very useful resource for psychiatrists and behavioral health professionals. It is valuable for readers seeking a user-friendly reference for which laboratory test to use for particular clinical psychiatric or behavioral health conditions, and how to interpret the results in the clinical context of individual patients. -- Valerie L Ng, PhD., M.D. * Doody *