Psychiatrist Dr. Melissa Deuter is an expert advisor to people who are "STUCK" and their families, and now to readers. Through vivid stories of young adult patients and their parents, Dr. Deuter demonstrates how changes in parenting coupled with increased mental health care consumption have led many to become "STUCK in the sick role" indefinitely.

Rev. ed. of: A DSM-III casebook of differential therapeutics. c1985.

View the inner workings of healthy stepfamilies through the stories of twenty families as they discuss how their households operate. This enlightening book takes a deeper look at what adults and children in stepfamilies say about such issues as discipline, money, family roles and relationships with ex-spouses, and the development of new traditions and rituals. Incorporating actual words of family members, Developing Healthy Stepfamilies shows many ways in which stepfamilies function well through adapting new and different “rules” to fit their circumstances. The book concentrates on positive rather than negative aspects of stepfamily life to help dim the image of stepfamilies as problematic and also to instill hope in would-be stepfamilies by normalizing their differences from biologically based families. Written with the intention of disseminating information and increasing understanding about stepfamily functioning, this book is useful for stepfamilies, their friends and relatives, and professionals such as teachers, clergy, physicians, and counselors. Developing Healthy Stepfamilies draws a colorful picture of the creativity and flexibility such families have brought to their lives and relationships. Emphasizing what works in stepfamilies instead of what does not, the book illustrates the process of integrating a stepfamily, the value of humor and patience, and the richness that can unfold for all members of the family. The author, a family therapist and educator, has drawn together information direct from stepfamily members themselves, providing readers with first-hand knowledge of the daily workings of this fast growing family form. A showcase of stepfamilies that are functioning well, Developing Healthy Stepfamilies helps show would-be stepfamilies that “it can be done.” This is not a book of instructions; it illuminates the many ways in which stepfamilies can and do function. Some of the topics covered in the book include: definitions of a stepfamily a historical review demographics suggestions for new stepfamilies from established ones genograms of the families participating in the study As a group, stepfamilies are different from biologically based families in form and function. These differences are important for the families, and for those working with them, to recognize and accept as normal. Although intended to be an informative text for professionals and students in fields such as counseling and social work, this book also serves as a source of hope and encouragement for stepfamilies and prospective stepfamilies themselves.

Series Editors: Moira Stewart, Judith Belle Brown and Thomas R Freeman The application of the patient-centered clinical method has received international recognition. This book introduces and fully examines the patient-centered clinical method and illustrates how it can be applied in primary care. It presents case examples of the many problems encountered in patient-doctor interactions and provides ideas for dealing with these more effectively. It covers a wide range of topics and issues including palliative care, abuse, dying patients, ethical challenges and the role of self-awareness. Many narratives originate from patients' and family members' experiences, providing perspectives of great power and value. The Patient-Centered Care series is of great value to all health professionals, teachers and students in primary care.

The goal of this book is to provide a conceptual framework for understanding the relationship between the ';psychological'; areas of medicine and the more somatic aspects of health care in our current social environment.

Exploring the process of recovery from personality disorder, and how this can be achieved, this research-based but highly readable book describes successful community-based ways to support people after diagnosis and the wider implications for mental ill health. Taking a close look at what it means to be diagnosed with personality disorder, the author considers how people with mental health issues are treated by society at large and within mental health services. She highlights problems and gaps in services, and how stigma surrounding mental health disorders can negatively affect the treatment an individual receives. Many first-hand accounts by people diagnosed with personality disorder offer a real perspective into what it is like to live with mental health issues, challenging stereotypes and providing much-needed insight into their needs. Research from The Haven, an innovative community-based project supporting people through recovery from personality disorder, offers ground-breaking ways to care for and meet the needs of people with major mental health issues in a positive and creative way. Essential reading for mental health professionals, people diagnosed with personality disorder, and their families.