Encountering Treatment Resistance: Solutions Through Reconceptualization

Recent studies suggest that anywhere from 20% to as much as 60% of psychiatric
diagnoses are eventually labeled as treatment resistant. No consensus exists on
a definition for treatment resistance, nor are there clear criteria for what is
still an unrecognized diagnosis, which suggests that incomplete assessments,
inadequate treatment planning, poor compliance, and faulty therapeutic alliances
may be at play.

Given that second opinions identify additional treatment
options in two-thirds of these cases, Encountering Treatment Resistance argues
that it is time to move away from treatment resistance and toward pending
remission. The author addresses opportunities for practitioners to avoid
treatment resistance and failure through the following:

Discussion of
the processes underlying conceptualization and how inaccurate or misleading
concepts may be developed Description of best practices for problem-solving and
the consequences for relying on less-effective methods Outline of methods to
ensure that clinicians consistently conduct a thorough evaluation at each
patient contact Highlights of common but underappreciated medical causes of
treatment failure and examples of impaired therapeutic alliances interfering
with diagnosis, treatment selection, and compliance

Numerous tables
present information in an easily scanned format, and real-world case vignettes
illustrate how the presented concepts, when applied to practice, lead to
improved outcomes. Suggestions for additional reading and discussion topics
facilitate collaboration, promote knowledge exchange, and broaden and deepen
understanding. As accessible as it is thorough, the book includes summaries, key
points, and self-assessment questions for each chapter that transform important
concepts into applicable lessons and serve to reinforce knowledge.