Handbook of Diagnosis and Treatment of DSM-IV-TR Personality Disorders » (2nd Edition)

Len Sperry, M.D., Ph.D., is professor of Health Services Administration and Psychology at Barry University in Florida. He is the author of over 20 books on the topics of psychopathology, executive coaching, and spirituality in clinical practice.

The second edition of this classic Handbook includes the latest developments in the diagnosis and treatment of personality disorders that have emerged since the publication of the DSM-IV-TR. Sperry highlights the many significant advances in the field, providing the reader with a complete summary of new intervention strategies, treatment approaches, and research findings. In addition, this text includes greater coverage of Borderline Personality Disorder and presents an introduction to the diagnostic schema likely to be adopted by the DSM-V. The Handbook is at once comprehensive and concise, offering integrative assessment and treatment strategies as well as theoretical overview for a full range of pathologies. Its reader-friendly style and organization make it an authoritative and accessible resource for clinicians and students of all mental health disciplines.

Doody Review Services

Reviewer:Steve C. Lee, MD(Rush University Medical Center)
Description:This book, as the title suggests, is a general overview of the multiple approaches to personality disorders. This second edition is an update of one published in 1995.
Purpose:Dr. Sperry states that his purpose was to provide a comprehensive, integrative approach to the diagnosis and treatment of personality disorders in a reader-friendly manner.
Audience:The book is accessible to those with at least a rudimentary understanding of psychotherapy. In a practical sense, this book is ideal for the clinician looking for a starting point from which to further one's own search into the existing body of work in the realms of the personality disorders.
Features:The first chapter discusses the history and trends of how psychiatrists have viewed these disorders and touches on the evolution of the criteria listed in the DSM's. Subsequently, a chapter is devoted to each personality disorder adhering to a logical format. Each disorder is systematically characterized in regards to behavioral style, attachment style, etc. Biological, psychological and social formulations are then summarized. In the same manner, psychotherapeutic and medication treatment options are investigated. The book does a commendable job of citing key studies and pointing out in which areas research is lacking. This book is well-organized and makes effective use of tables and outlines.
Assessment:Overall, the author does a commendable job surveying the field in which there is a wide variation of opinion among different schools of psychiatry. He is quite successful in delivering this information in a readable manner.