Clinician's Guide to Mental Illness

This book provides a comprehensive review of common adult mental disorders and substance use disorders. The chapters were written by teams of researchers and clinicians, thus providing an integration of empirical findings with clinical experience. Family issues, relapse prevention, the use of self-help groups and co-morbidity are addressed throughout since many patients have multiple disorders and relapse risk is high. In addition, this book integrates considerable information about treatment adherence, and provides the reader with helpful strategies on ways to enhance patient compliance with pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy, as well as strategies for increasing motivation to change. A "recovery" paradigm is used throughout the book that advocates the importance of helping the patient take an active role in managing his or her disorders. The introductory chapter summarizes mental disorders and substance use disorders and provides a comprehensive framework for recovery. The text provides useful clinical information on treatment and medication for the major psychiatric disorder groups (substance abuse, anxiety, mood, schizophrenia, eating and borderline personality disorders) and focuses on both psychological and medication treatments. The book is written in an easy to understand style and should be useful to both primary care and mental health professionals.