Psychiatry

A Very Short Introduction

Tom Burns author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Oxford University Press

Published:25th Oct '18

Should be back in stock very soon

Psychiatry cover

In this concise exploration, Tom Burns examines contemporary psychiatry, addressing its capabilities and limitations, historical missteps, and future developments influenced by artificial intelligence and virtual reality, while navigating ongoing controversies.

In Psychiatry, Tom Burns delves into the complexities of modern psychiatry, examining its capabilities and limitations while addressing the primary disorders it encompasses. The book also engages with the philosophical dilemmas surrounding the field, shedding light on past errors and contemplating future developments, particularly with the integration of artificial intelligence and virtual reality. Burns emphasizes that psychiatry is a deeply contentious area, filled with emotionally charged debates about the nature of mental illness, the medicalization of daily life, and the ongoing discourse surrounding nature versus nurture.

The author traces the historical evolution of psychiatry, highlighting significant shifts in focus and treatment methodologies over the years. He provides an analysis of key disorders, such as schizophrenia and manic depression, while clarifying the distinctions and overlaps between psychiatry, psychology, and psychotherapy. Burns points out that the controversies often stem from psychiatry's dual origins, which split into a more medical approach in asylums and a psychological approach that led to the development of psychoanalysis and various psychotherapeutic practices.

Ultimately, Burns reflects on the legitimacy of psychiatry and the missteps it has encountered throughout its history. He considers the potential transformations that lie ahead, driven by advancements in technology. Psychiatry serves as a concise introduction to the field, offering readers a thoughtful exploration of its past, present, and future within the broader context of mental health.

This highly readable introductory book from a respected psychiatrist addresses many of the issues that underlie the stigma still associated with mental illness. Wide ranging in its scope of topics presented in an understandable way, the author addresses the many successful developments but does not shy away from discussing some of the celebrated but ineffective blind alleys that psychiatrists have gone down in the search for cure. This book serves as an ideal foundation for the lay reader and deserves a wide audience. * Dr Michael Maier President of the Psychiatry section, Royal Society of Medicine. *

ISBN: 9780198826200

Dimensions: 175mm x 112mm x 8mm

Weight: 120g

160 pages

2nd Revised edition