Modelling and Managing the Depressive Disorders: A Clinical Guide

by Gordon Parker (Author), VijayaManicavasagar (Author)

New
Paperback
2005
$78.26

The DSM and ICD mental illness classificatory systems define mood disorder as essentially a single condition varying only by severity; however, there are major problems with this approach. In this book, Gordon Parker and Vijaya Manicavasagar expose the weaknesses in the existing models, and describe a new approach to sub-typing and managing depression based on there being some specific defined manifestations, including melancholia and psychotic depression, as well as versions of the condition highly dependent on life stresses and personality styles. They argue that depression can exist as a disease, a disorder, a syndrome and a normal reaction, and it therefore requires a multi-modal approach to conceptualization and management. Highly illustrated in full colour throughout and written in an entertaining, but informative and practical style, this book should be read by all those responsible for managing or caring for individuals with mental illness.

Synopsis

The DSM and ICD mental illness classificatory systems define mood disorder as essentially a single condition varying only by severity; however, there are major problems with this approach. In this book, Gordon Parker and Vijaya Manicavasagar expose the weaknesses in the existing models, and describe a new approach to sub-typing and managing depression based on there being some specific defined manifestations, including melancholia and psychotic depression, as well as versions of the condition highly dependent on life stresses and personality styles. They argue that depression can exist as a disease, a disorder, a syndrome and a normal reaction, and it therefore requires a multi-modal approach to conceptualization and management. Highly illustrated in full colour throughout and written in an entertaining, but informative and practical style, this book should be read by all those responsible for managing or caring for individuals with mental illness.

$78.26

Quantity

10 in stock

More Information

Format: Paperback
Pages: 260
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Published: 28 Jul 2005
ISBN 10: 0521671442
ISBN 13: 9780521671446
Book Overview: This book presents an alternative approach to defining and managing the mood disorders.

Media Reviews

'What I found particularly refreshing about this book was the brio with which it was written ... the attitude and approach displayed by the authors of this volume are surely a hopeful prognostic sign for future research in depression.' Allan Y. Young, The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists
'... these chapters ... discuss the ideal attributes of a therapist and provide easily understandable case vignettes illustrating the personality disorders, [therefore] they are especially appropriate for students of psychiatry and psychology; some patients might find them a useful resource. They provide an easy-to-understand outline that would be helpful to a wide audience.' The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease
'It's all good stuff and gets you thinking, especially about 'what is the illness I see before me, what is its likely natural history, why and how is the best way to treat it?'' Australia and New Zealand Association of Psychiatrists in Training
'... this is a well-written book and the regular use of summary boxes and case vignettes makes it highly readable. The research expertise and clinical experience of the authors come across strongly and will make the book particularly attractive to clinicians. The provocative nature of the first section will cause many to challenge their view of depression. This book is highly recommended.' Journal of Psychosomatic Research
The authors introduce many interesting theoretical ideas. The book is well written and the illustrations are very useful. The authors' theoretical perspective adds interesting new ideas and is thought provoking. --Doody's Review Service (R)
...because these chapters also discuss the ideal attributes of a therapist and provide easily understandable case vignettes illustrating the personality disorders, they are especially appropriate for students of psychiatry and psychology; some patients might find them a useful resource. They provide an easy-to-understand outline that would be helpful to a wide audience. Alan M. Langlieb, MD, MPH, MBA; The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease

Author Bio

Professor Gordon Parker is Scientia Professor of Psychiatry at the University of New South Wales and the Executive Director of the Black Dog Institute which is a research, clinical, education and training facility for mood disorders. He is an active researcher and, in 2003, was awarded a Citation Laureate for being one of the most highly cited Australians in the fields of Psychiatry and Psychology. Dr Vijaya Manicavasagar is a Senior Clinical Psychologist and Senior Research Fellow with the Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, and an adjunct Senior Lecturer within the School of Psychiatry in the Faculty of Medicine of the same university. She has had a long-standing interest in the psychological treatment of mood disorders.