Abstract

The disciplines of endocrinology and psychiatry have a strong historical link. The description of Myxedema madness by Richard Asher is one striking example. Thyroid function tests are routinely ordered in patients admitted to psychiatry services. The bookPsychoneuroendocrinology by Drs. Wolkowitz and Rothschild attempts to bridge the disciplines of neuroendocrinology and psychiatry. Multiple authors have contributed chapters, and the majority of contributors have a background in psychiatry. A slightly greater presence of endocrinologists among the authors would have been preferable. This 592-page book covers the historical background and psychiatric manifestations of a wide variety of endocrinologic disorders. Psychiatric presentations with disorders of peptides, adrenocortical hormones, and gonadal and thyroid hormones are covered. In addition, there are contributions on neuroendocrine systems, endocrine imaging in depression, and stress and endocrine function. The chapters are generally well written and illustrated with tables, and most chapters end with a summary. Many patients have strong feelings on topics such as thyroid hormone replacement, and several would like to try different preparations, including T3 supplementation. This book explores the effects of thyroid hormones on mood and should be a good resource with regard to these issues. The book does a good job in trying to cover elusive topics such as the use of thyroid hormones in psychiatry and the psychiatric effects of anabolic steroids as well as psychiatric manifestations related to menses, the postpartum period, and gonadal hormone replacement. Clinicians with a significant number of patients with endocrinologic problems will find this book of benefit.