The last four decades have witnessed considerable advances in our knowledge of the pharmacology of sleep. Both basic and clinical pharmacology have made major contributions toward our current understanding of the complex mechanisms of sleep and wakefulness. In addition, these advances in our understanding of the pharmacology of sleep have benefited the treatment of sleep disorders and various neurologic and psychiatric conditions. This volume is organized into three different parts. The first is a review of the basic mechanisms of sleep and wakefulness and the chronobiology of sleep. The second part reviews the basic pharmacology of the various neuro transmitter systems involved in sleep and wakefulness, while the third is clinically oriented and focuses on the effects of a variety of drugs on sleep and wakefulness. The initial part begins with a historical review of the hypotheses of the mechanisms of sleep, evolving from passive to active regulation, and concepts involving sleep-related neurotransmitters and other sleep factors. Then regulation of sleep and wakefulness is discussed in terms of homeostatic, circadian, and ultradian processes. Also discussed is the fact that sleep homeostasis is not disrupted by the administration of hypnotic drugs. This part also reviews time-dependent properties of pharmacologic agents in relation to endogenous biologic rhythms and more specifically to chrono pharmacologic changes."

A review of the current state of the clinical and basic science of the pharmacology of sleep. The information provided ranges from a historical perspective to current concepts of sleep mechanisms, including the interaction between pharmacology and sleep-wake regulation and between chronopahrmacology and sleep-wake rhythms. For the first time in one single volume, both the basic mechanisms of sleep, and the basic and clinical aspects of the pharmacology of sleep are dealt with in a thorough, comprehensive and authoritative manner. The chapters, written by the foremost scientific authorities in this field, integrate the latest information on the basic mechanisms of drugs as they relate to their effects on sleep.

Psychiatry has undergone a dynamic evolution in the last 40 years, an evolution to which Dr. Louis West made many contributions. Psychiatry today and Dr. West's career are intertwined in a mosaic of interaction. It is therefore fitting that this compilation of essays in honor of Dr. West is entitled The Mosaic of Contemporary Psychiatry: Current Perspectives. The papers collectively form a snapshot of the field of psychiatry today. Each chapter offers a historical perspective of the topic discussed, followed by a description of modern day issues and a look at the future of psychiatry. This book will enhance the knowledge and technical skills of psychiatrists as well as other clinicians in the mental health care field.

I am honored to introduce readers to this extraordinary volume, the first in the annual International Perspectives Series: Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neurosciences. This particular volume on the Recent Advances In Schizophrenia stems from the Third Annual Pennsylvania Conference on Schizophrenia, held in March, 1988. At that international meeting, some of the most esteemed researchers in the field surveyed our current under standing of schizophrenia. Collectively, their presentations capture the excitement of a research field launching into a stage of rapid worldwide advancement. The last decade has seen an enormous refocusing of scientific effort on schizophrenia, directed, in large measure, by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Our understanding of this mysterious, disabling disorder in all its diversity has been enhanced by a host of technologies, including new neuroimaging techniques, cognitive psychology, molecular genetics, and anatomical, biochemical, and molecular neuropathology. The resulting growth spurt in our knowledge constitutes the essence of the conference and of this volume. As the following pages amply docu ment, it has been a decade of great progress, one in which we can take great pride. The science of our field has matured to the point that a major research thrust is now feasible-one likely to have enormous benefits for schizophrenic patients and their families. It is a very exciting time to be in this field and to participate in accelerating its advances."