Main description:

Personality disorders consist of long-term patterns of maladaptive behaviour which have a generally unrecognised importance in clinical practice. However, personality disorders are the origins of many medical consultations and social ills, including substance abuse, alcoholism, self-harm, suicide, neglect of children, criminality and HIV transmission. In a comprehensive summary and evaluation of the clinical literature, this book seeks to dispel the myth that personality disorder is simply a category for those problem individuals for whom nothing can be done. With detailed coverage of recognition, assessment and management, Drs Dowson and Grounds provide a co-ordinated empirically-based account of those aspects of personality disorders which are of relevance to psychiatrists and allied disciplines, including clinical psychologists, social workers, criminologists, specialist nurses and primary care physicians.

Contents:

Part I. Recognition: 1. Personality disorders: basic concepts and clinical overview; 2. Specified personality disorders: clinical features; 3. Personality disorders: less specific clinical presentations and epidemiology; 4. Longitudinal aspects of personality disorders; 5. Assessment of personality disorders; Part II. Clinical Management: 6. Drugs and other physical treatments; 7. Psychological management; 8. Group psychotherapies; 9. Management of offenders with personality disorders; References; Index.