This innovative edited collection brings together leading international academics to explore the use of various non-prescription and prescription substances. From a psychosocial perspective, the authors discuss the complex reasons behind their adoption, the ways in which they are misused, and links between use and cognitive enhancement. While studies on substance use to date have examined the aetiology and effects in the context of sporting performance, addiction and recreational use, there has been little work which explores their wider misuse to improve cognitive enhancement. With medical sociology and social psychology at its core, this important volume shows the complex reasons behind the misuse of various substances, how these are connected to contemporary desire for increased mental performance, and why the potential health risks and possibly harmful side effects do not act as deterrents.

* This is a unique source of information on clinical practice, written by health psychologists for health psychologists. (The vast majority of literature on clinical practice in psychology has been written by clinical psychologists). * Provides guidance for health psychologists on how to provide high-quality, evidence-based, clinical support for patients and utilise relevant therapies. * Features semi-biographical accounts of the work of some of the most established and experienced clinically working health psychologists in the UK. * The COVID19 outbreak has seen an unprecedented number of health psychologists contributing to the research and debate and supporting others on the frontline. This volume hammers home the message that health psychologists are a unique and expert group who can make a real difference in healthcare.

* This is a unique source of information on clinical practice, written by health psychologists for health psychologists. (The vast majority of literature on clinical practice in psychology has been written by clinical psychologists). * Provides guidance for health psychologists on how to provide high-quality, evidence-based, clinical support for patients and utilise relevant therapies. * Features semi-biographical accounts of the work of some of the most established and experienced clinically working health psychologists in the UK. * The COVID19 outbreak has seen an unprecedented number of health psychologists contributing to the research and debate and supporting others on the frontline. This volume hammers home the message that health psychologists are a unique and expert group who can make a real difference in healthcare.

This series aims to bridge the gap between simple introductory texts aimed at pre-university students and highter level textbooks for upper level undergraduates. Each volume in the series is designed to provide concise yet up-to-date descriptions of the major areas of psychology for first year undergraduates or students taking psychology as a supplement to other courses of study. The authors, who are acknowledged experts in their field, explain th ebasics carefully without over-simplification, at the;Mind-body relationships are the essence of health psychology, and this text takes this relationship as its central focus in exploring and explaining the topic to students. The book presents psychological factors in health and illness causation through the concept of "holism" which posits that health states, health behaviours and cognitions are created by the interaction of other factors or processes within the human condition.;This textbook assumes no prior knowledge of psychology, and works though a series of topics and debates towards an understanging of human health and the psycological nature of it. A wide range of health psychology issues are covered, such as pain, stress, health

This innovative edited collection brings together leading international academics to explore the use of various non-prescription and prescription substances. From a psychosocial perspective, the authors discuss the complex reasons behind their adoption, the ways in which they are misused, and links between use and cognitive enhancement. While studies on substance use to date have examined the aetiology and effects in the context of sporting performance, addiction and recreational use, there has been little work which explores their wider misuse to improve cognitive enhancement. With medical sociology and social psychology at its core, this important volume shows the complex reasons behind the misuse of various substances, how these are connected to contemporary desire for increased mental performance, and why the potential health risks and possibly harmful side effects do not act as deterrents.