Fully revised to incorporate DSM-5™ criteria and informed by the most current research in its discussions of diagnosis and treatment Now in a second edition, History, Diagnosis, and Empirical Foundations thoroughly explores psychopathology with contributions from leading scholars in psycho-pathology. The Second Edition offers an overview of various topics in the context of major changes included in the DSM-5™. With new chapters on contextual factors affecting diagnoses and non-alcohol substance abuse, Psychopathology, Second Edition covers the history, theory, and assessment of anxiety disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder, mood disorders, schizophrenia, the psychotic spectrum disorders, eating disorders, borderline personality disorder, alcohol use disorders, psychopathy, sexual dysfunction, and sleep disorders. In addition, each chapter of the Second Edition Practical and thorough, this text is an essential reference for all mental health professionals and a solid introduction for students in psychopathology courses.
This textbook does what it's supposed to do - it's a dense summary of some of the most common forms of psychopathology - including diagnostic and assessment information and treatment. There is a focus on the DSM 5 - but some of the best chapters included brief historical information about the concepts as well as ICD-10 diagnostic information. There are different authors for each chapter - so they vary greatly in their quality. The Borderline Personality Disorder chapter stood out as a good one. The Alcohol Use Disorder chapter seemed very limited with not enough focus on the systemic factors influencing substance dependence. As a whole it was a little bit light on discussion of personality disorders. But all-in-all it served its purpose and was direct and to-the-point. I appreciated when case studies were included to illustrate the information.
The book was packed with so much interesting and irrelevant information. The authors explained too many things for too long and would always end their explanations with "but more research is needed," "not much information," or even "results have been mixed.".
That's science for you.
But it was still very interesting and taught me a lot about psychopathology and mental disorders. I would not recommend it, though.
Brilliant, readable, critical, lots of evidence and further reading. Balanced between acknowledging critique whilst clearly articulating argument. I disagree with thier outcome - endorsement for the DSM. But agree entirely with their process of rigorous examination.