Benzodiazepines are the most commonly used psychotropic drugs, prescribed for their action as tranquillizers, hypnotics and anti-epileptics. They act in the brain by binding to specific, highly selective recognition sites, the benzodiazepine receptors. This book, first published in 1987, summarises our knowledge of these receptors for a student and professional audience and is divided into two sections. In the first part, the general properties of the receptors and their involvement in the mechanisms of action of benzodiazepines are described. The second part discusses the function of the...

First published in 1985, this book provides the psychiatrist with a basic knowledge of the methods and concepts used in the sphere of artificial intelligence. The techniques not only involve building models of the mind (and hence aid hypothesis testing) but also incorporate programs to assist the everyday work of psychiatrists. Knowledge representation, natural language understanding, search and planning, computer-assisted diagnosis, simulation and teaching are discussed. Enough basic theory is outlined to enable readers to understand and to carry out research in the area and to take part in...

Originally published in 1985, Hormones and Human Behaviour provides an account of knowledge concerning the influence of hormones on human behaviour, largely from a physiological point of view. The topics covered include the control of eating, drinking, sexual behaviour, emotional behaviour, learning and memory, as well as the ways in which psychiatric states may affect these activities, and in which hormones may alter mental function. Thus the book will be of interest to those working in the behavioural sciences and psychiatry, as well as to those studying for specialist qualifications in...