This book explores the purpose of clinical psychological and psychiatric diagnosis, and provides a persuasive case for moving away from the traditional practice of psychiatric classification. It discusses the validity and reliability of classification-based approaches to clinical diagnosis, and frames them in their broader historical and societal context. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is used across the world in research and a range of mental health settings; here, Stijn Vanheule argues that the diagnostic reliability of the DSM is overrated, built on a limited biomedical approach to mental disorders that neglects context, and ultimately breeds stigma. The book subsequently makes a passionate plea for a more detailed approach to the study of mental suffering by means of case formulation. Starting from literature on qualitative research the author makes clear how to guarantee the quality of clinical case formulations.

This book critically evaluates the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Through analysis of the history of psychiatric diagnosis and of the handbook itself, it argues that the DSM-5 has a narrow biomedical approach to mental disorders, and proposes a new contextualizing model of mental health symptoms.

The nearly 200 cases featured in this guide are drawn from the clinical experience of well over 100 clinicians, many of whom are well-known experts in particular areas of diagnosis and treatment.

Revised and updated, this practical handbook is a succinct how-to guide to the psychiatric interview. In a conversational style with many clinical vignettes, Dr. Carlat outlines effective techniques for approaching threatening topics, improving patient recall, dealing with challenging patients, obtaining the psychiatric history, and interviewing for diagnosis and treatment. This edition features updated chapters on the major psychiatric disorders, new chapters on the malingering patient and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and new clinical vignettes. Easy-to-photocopy appendices include data forms, patient education handouts, and other frequently referenced information. Pocket cards that accompany the book provide a portable quick-reference to often needed facts.

Derived from the 1988 annual meeting of the Association (place not specified). Contributors review conceptual issues, longitudinal consistency, descriptive consistency, evidence from family studies, laboratory tests and treatment response. The final section considers future directions. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

“The landmark book that argued that psychiatry consistently expands its definition of mental illness to impose its authority over moral and cultural conflict.” — New York Times The 50th anniversary edition of the most influential critique of psychiatry every written, with a new preface on the age of Prozac and Ritalin and the rise of designer drugs, plus two bonus essays. Thomas Szasz's classic book revolutionized thinking about the nature of the psychiatric profession and the moral implications of its practices. By diagnosing unwanted behavior as mental illness, psychiatrists, Szasz argues, absolve individuals of responsibility for their actions and instead blame their alleged illness. He also critiques Freudian psychology as a pseudoscience and warns against the dangerous overreach of psychiatry into all aspects of modern life.

As a mental health clinician, you know that every client is unique, and a client’s symptoms are the result of a complex combination of psychological, environmental, genetic, and neural factors. However, the de facto DSM model poses considerable constraints on how you can treat clients—often resulting in a one-size-fits-all diagnosis. This important volume challenges the assumptions and approach made by the DSM, and provides a vision and plan for an evidence-based, process-based approach to individualized care. With contributions from renowned experts in the field—including Steven C. Hayes, Stefan G. Hofmann, Joseph Ciarrochi, Matthew McKay, Uma Vaidyanathan, Sarah Morris, David Sommers, J. Scott Fraser, and many more—this groundbreaking book will show you a new way to recognize the complexity of human suffering and human prosperity. You’ll find solid tips for treating a wide variety of psychological issues in a more flexible way. And, finally, you’ll come away with a greater understanding of the “processes of change,” and how to build a solid foundation for an alternative to syndromal diagnosis. The future of mental health treatment is process-based. Whether you’re a clinician, researcher, student, instructor, or other professional working in the mental health field, this breakthrough volume offers everything you need to understand process-based treatment and create a more customized and effective approach to treating clients.