Case Studies in Abnormal Psychology » (8th Edition)

Oltmanns, Thomas F. (Univ of Virginia); Neale, John M. (SUNY at Stony Brook); Davison, Gerald C. (USC)

The next best thing to actual clinical experience. . .

This Seventh Edition of Case Studies in Abnormal Psychology conveys the subtleties of the therapeutic process in an engaging and vivid way. Based on actual clinical experiences, these in-depth cases take mental disorders from the realm of theory into the reality of human lives. These cases illustrate the different ways clinicians think about their work, the challenging issues they often face, and how they can help clients cope with life problems ranging from psychotic disorders to various disorders of childhood and aging.

Features:

• New case of somatization disorder provides important coverage of this difficult and complex topic, including a description of the challenging issues that are faced in the diagnosis and treatment of people suffering from this condition.

• Discusses some of the evidence that is available concerning the epidemiology and etiology of the disorders in question.

• Transcripts of therapy sessions give you a realistic view of psychotherapy.

• Richly detailed descriptions focus on symptoms, the client’s history, treatment, and outcome.

• Emphasizes the social context in which the disorder appears, as well as life problems that affect the person’s overall adjustment.

• Includes strong coverage of cultural, ethnic, gender, and women’s issues.

Doody Review Services

Reviewer:Nicholas Greco IV, MS, BCETS, CATSM(Abbott Laboratories)
Description:This is a realistic examination of the most prevalent disorders clinicians see in their patients today. The in-depth presentations demonstrate the developmental history and the cases stimulate critical thinking and enhance discussion with students and other clinicians.
Purpose:The purpose is to provide detailed descriptions of a range of clinical problems, to illustrate the various ways these problems are viewed and treated, and to discuss the prevalence and causes of the various disorders. The book goes beyond the typical brief presentation found in most contemporary textbooks and can stand alone as a casebook complete with a thorough history and clinical presentation.
Audience:Both undergraduate and graduate students in psychology will benefit from this casebook. In addition, medical students, nurses, social workers, and first year psychiatry residents will find this to be an excellent study tool. Professors will find this to be useful companion for their psychopathology courses.
Features:The major Axis I and II disorders are presented in relevant and realistic cases. Mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, eating disorders, childhood disorders such as ADHD, ODD, and autism as well as sexual dysfunction are presented. Each case includes presenting complaints, social history, conceptualization and treatment, discussion, theoretical perspectives, treatment implications, and discussion questions. The only shortcoming is, for some cases, the discussion of psychopharmacological treatment is too basic or not exactly reflective of current practice. However, this in no way detracts from the excellent case presentations and the book itself.
Assessment:Finally, a realistic abnormal psychology casebook that one can confidently use for teaching purposes.