What are the effects of psychoactive drugs on aspects of human behaviour, such as creativity, memory and sexuality? How effective are such drugs in treating mental disorders? How are new drugs tested and licensed?

An intriguing introduction to the study of psychopharmacology, this fully revised and updated edition of Drugs and Behavior presents a unique analysis of the ways in which human behaviour is affected by drugs, rather than simply by categories of drugs. The text covers the principles of neurotransmission, pharmacokinetics and drug classification. Issues of new drug development, including drug dangers and benefits, legalization and the prevention and treatment of drug abuse, are also discussed.