Comprehensive Handbook of Psychopathology » (3rd Edition)

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Reviewer:Nicholas Greco IV, MS, BCETS, CATSM(Abbott Laboratories)
Description:This third edition attempts to provide an updated and complete review of the current status of mental disorder research, clinical practice, as well as the theories of psychopathology and current clinical descriptions.
Purpose:The purpose is to provide the reader with the most current and recent changes in the DSM-IV, to provide a comprehensive overview of the changes in theories and in research, as well as highlight in two chapters the sparked reinterest in schizophrenia. These are worthy objectives and to some extent are accomplished.
Audience:The book is intended mainly for researchers, practitioners, and graduate students in the mental health and behavioral medicine professions. There are a number of authors who have extensive backgrounds and, overall, appear to be credible authorities.
Features:This book covers the the various issues of relevance in psychopathology including the anxiety and psychotic disorders, personality disorders, substance abuse, and specific populations -- children and the elderly. Overall the chapters are well-written, cover a large amount of information such as etiology, epidemiology, and assessment. Unfortunately, while there were a considerable number of references, some of them are outdated and possibly misleading to some readers. In particular, the chapter on mood disorders discusses psychopharmacoogical treatments wherein the information cited in the table is from the 1998 Physician's Desk Reference. Moreover, the table is incomplete, contains medications not marketed in the U.S., and would serve no quick reference function. Also, the DSM-IV-TR has been published as of 2000, and this book discusses changes involving the DSM-IV.
Assessment:With the constant need for updated information in psychology and psychiatry this book is admirable in its overall intentions for a comprehensive overview of psychopathology. Disappointingly, this book does not meet the standard needed in today's field. The number of omissions, lack of current references as well as outdated ones, and the overall cost do not make for a high recommendation. Although this book could serve as a secondary reference, clinicians and researchers will find other references to be more complete and current.