Essential Psychopathology and Its Treatment by Jerrold S. Maxmen
Everyone's favorite textbook on modern psychiatric diagnosis and treatment has been revised and updated not only to address changes introduced by DSM-IV but also to include more pointers on treatment and to add chapters on childhood disorders and sleep disorders. In a style remarkable for its clarity, wit, and practicality, the book explains DSM-IV, presents its diagnostic categories, and illuminates them with psychodynamic, behavioral, social, and biological theories. Avoiding jargon, it describes the genetics, epidemiology, neurochemistry, and psychopharmacology of mental disorders. Guidelines for treatment are given for each disorder. Amply illustrated with case vignettes, the book stresses the practical. This is a concentrated, yet sophisticated, presentation. The authors want the reader to finish this book knowing the subject, caring about it, curious about it, and most importantly, doing a better job diagnosing and treating patients.