Descriptive psychopathology
In order to correctly describe and diagnose mental illness, practitioners need a thorough knowledge of the signs and symptoms of behavioral disorders. Descriptive Psychopathology provides a broad overview of mental illness beyond the limitations of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) and International Classification of Diseases (ICD) criteria.
Beginning with the history of the classification of mental disorders, the authors explore the problems and limitations of today's diagnostic systems. Here they present the principles of psychiatric research and the diagnosis, accompanied by descriptions of clinical cases and summary tables and related to various diagnostic questions. In conclusion, Michael Taylor and Nutan Vaidya propose a restructuring of psychiatric classification based on psychopathology literature and its validation data.
Written for psychiatry and neurology graduates as well as clinical psychologists, it is an invaluable resource for anyone involved in the care of patients with behavioral syndromes.
Descriptive psychopathology, also called phenomenology, is the core of psychiatric diagnosis. Taylor and Vaidya's book is a successful integrative approach between the phenomenological method and recent advances in neuroscience. It raises to a qualitatively new level all the knowledge accumulated so far and, by uniting it into an organic whole, provides us with new, more reliable methods for the diagnosis of mental illnesses. Richly supported by clinical cases, this work gives us an accessible and holistic picture that allows better precision in our daily clinical practice.
Dr. Vladimir Simov
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Descriptive Psychopathology is a foundational psychology textbook that focuses on the study and understanding of mental disorders and abnormalities. This textbook presents a systematic overview of the various forms of psychopathology, analyzing them in terms of symptoms, manifestations and main characteristics.
At the beginning of the textbook, an introduction to the concept of psychopathology and the methods for its research is presented. The various approaches and models for understanding mental disorders are discussed here, including biological, psychological and social factors that influence mental health.
Subsequent chapters of the textbook are devoted to specific mental disorders, discussing their symptoms, diagnosis, classification, and treatment. Psychopathologies considered may include depression, schizophrenia, anxiety, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, phobias, and others.
Each disorder is presented through a systematic analysis of symptoms, discussing the mental, emotional, and behavioral manifestations associated with each. It also examines the underlying causes of various mental disorders, including genetic, biological, social, and psychological factors.
An important component of the textbook is the section devoted to the methods of diagnosis and assessment of mental disorders. Various psychological tools and techniques for mental health assessment are presented here, as well as the diagnostic criteria used in international classification systems.
In addition, the textbook also offers practical exercises and case studies that help students apply their knowledge in real clinical practice scenarios. These exercises contribute to the development of analytical thinking and the abilities to diagnose and treat mental disorders.
Descriptive Psychopathology is a valuable resource for students and practicing psychologists interested in the study and understanding of mental disorders. This textbook not only provides fundamental knowledge of psychopathology, but also develops students' analytical thinking and clinical skills, preparing them for their successful professional practice in the field of psychology.
