Preface

The 10th edition of the Maudsley Prescribing Guidelines fully updates the 9th edition and includes new sections offering guidance on, for example, the use of psychotropics in atrial fibrillation, alternative routes for antidepressant administration, the treatment of velo-cardio-facial syndrome and the covert administration of medicines. Where possible guidance has been aligned with the most recently issued guidelines from UK NICE and the latest Cochrane reviews. There has also been an attempt to make the text ‘future-proof ' (at least for a year or two) by anticipating new drug introductions and changes in Product Licences.

Following the tragic loss of Rob Kerwin in 2007, we now welcome Shitij Kapur as a co-author of the Prescribing Guidelines. Shitij is one of the world's foremost researchers in the field of schizophrenia and is widely recognised for his innovative and cogently argued theories on the causes and treatment of psychosis. We are honoured to have Shitij as part of our team and it serves as an honour to Rob Kerwin that only an illustrious clinician as Shitij could be considered a suitable replacement.

As before, we are indebted to a great many people who have contributed their time and expertise to the Prescribing Guidelines in expectation of no more than being mentioned on the following page. The Guidelines would be nothing without their invaluable contributions. Thanks are also due to those who have written to me making suggestions about the Guidelines and to both formal and internet reviewers who have provided precious feedback on previous editions. Particular thanks are due to Maria O'Hagan who has managed the production of this and several previous editions of the Maudsley Prescribing Guidelines.