Approach to the Psychiatric Patient: Case-Based Essays

A fascinating text that addresses the clinical and educational challenges of
treating psychiatric patients from a truly multidisciplinary perspective using a
case-based format, Approach to the Psychiatric Patient: Case-Based Essays is the
only book of its kind and an indispensable addition to the mental health
practitioner's library. The new edition builds upon the strengths that
distinguished the first, with composite cases that are carefully constructed to
capture real-world problems, followed by essays that provide clear and cogent
perspectives on the case. These essays cover a wide range, from the more
conventional (such as differential diagnosis of anxiety or the clinical
characteristics of delirium) to the unusual and intriguing (such as creativity
and mental illness or an analysis of the case in relation to the classic,
Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde). Every chapter has been revised, and
the book boasts many new co-contributors, as well as the addition of completely
new essays. For example, in the chapter on geriatric depression, several new
essays have been added on the topics of collaborative care and the embedded
psychiatrist, depression and medical illness, and biomarkers to identify
depression subtypes, while the chapter on terminal illness features new essays
on spirituality and meaning-centered therapy. In addition, there are new essays
on co-occurring anxiety and alcohol use disorders, medication assisted treatment
for stimulant use, treatment of body dysmorphic disorder, and more.The text
possesses many useful attributes for the reader: The more than 100 essays were
written by a broad range of specialists, each with particular expertise in their
aspect of the case, and the resulting commentary is focused and concise. In
addition to the case and discussions, each chapter offers an overview and
summary points designed to facilitate further consideration of the patient and
clinical situation and to focus on the key points. The book's unique structure
enhances its flexibility, allowing the reader to read a case and accompanying
essays straight through, or to pick and choose as the need or whim arises. The
cases' clinical settings are diverse, ranging from inpatient hospitalizations
and emergency room evaluations to outpatient assessments and long-term
psychotherapies, maximizing relevance and resonance. Each essay has its own
bibliography, which provides both rigorous documentation and additional sources
for more exploration of the topic.

Approach to the Psychiatric Patient:
Case-Based Essays distinguishes itself from prior texts in both the richness of
its cases and the ingenuity of its format, and its multidisciplinary wisdom and
insight will be appreciated by a wide range of readers.