Description
Many fascinating and important psychological disorders are either omitted from our current diagnostic systems or rarely covered during graduate or medical training. As a result, most mental health students and trainees are never taught to identify, diagnose, or treat them. This lack of attention has real-world consequences not only for patients, but for basic science as well. Unusual and Rare Psychological Disorders collects and synthesizes the scientific and clinical literatures for 21 lesser-known conditions. The coverage is broad, ranging from exploding head syndrome and koro to body integrity identity disorder and persistent genital arousal disorder. All chapters follow a uniform structure and introduce each disorder with a vivid clinical vignette. After discussing the historical and cultural contexts for the disorder, authors describe the typical symptoms, associated features, current role in diagnostic systems (if any), and etiologies. Clinically relevant information on assessment and differential diagnosis is also provided. Finally, authors review the treatment options and suggest future directions for research. This unique and engaging volume will not only be a useful resource for researchers and clinicians who already possess expertise in the more well-known manifestations of psychopathology, but it will also be of interest to students and trainees in the mental health professions.
About the Author
Brian A. Sharpless, PhD, is an associate professor of clinical psychology at The American School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University, Washington, DC. He has authored over 35 publications on various topics related to psychopathology, psychotherapy, and the history and philosophy of clinical psychology. His previous book, Sleep Paralysis: Historical, Psychological, and Medical Perspectives, co-authored with Karl Doghramji, MD, is also available through Oxford University Press.
Reviews
"It's often the case that we can learn more from exceptions to the established order of things than from generally accepted principles, and this fascinating book edited by Brian Sharpless proves that old adage once again. With substantial implications for classification and nosology of psychopathology, as well as for clinical practice, readers will be intrigued to learn about 'Jerusalem syndrome,' 'exploding head syndrome,' as well as somewhat more familiar syndromes such as 'isolated sleep paralysis.' The fact that isolated sleep paralysis, to take one example, was misconstrued for so many years as evidence of abduction by aliens should be enough to convince all clinicians and students of psychopathology to become aware of the clinical presentations in this valuable and compelling book."--David H. Barlow Ph.D, ABPP, Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry Emeritus, and Founder and Director Emeritus, Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders, Boston University "Undergraduate and graduate students find the study of psychopathology to be among the most interesting of their courses. Sharpless has brought together in this volume some of the more intriguing and unusual forms of psychopathology. The text is serious and thoughtful. Many of the chapters within this text would provide useful and instructive supplementary reading for a graduate or undergraduate abnormal psychology course."--Thomas A. Widiger, Ph.D., T. Marshal Hahn Professor of Psychology, University of Kentucky "This volume offers easy, interesting, and scientifically solid reading about a range of disorders. The parallel structures of the chapters help the reader consider and compare these different disorders using common frames. The intended audience seems to be a broad population of diagnosticians, ranging from medical and clinical psychology students through practicing clinicians. The book may alert its readers to unusual symptoms and syndromes in ways that will increase their clinical awareness and help improve their overall assessment of psychological disorders." --PsycCRITIQUES
Book Information
ISBN 9780190245863
Author Brian A. Sharpless
Format Paperback
Page Count 400
Imprint Oxford University Press Inc
Publisher Oxford University Press Inc
Weight(grams) 635g
Dimensions(mm) 155mm * 231mm * 25mm
About the Author
Brian A. Sharpless, PhD, is an associate professor of clinical psychology at The American School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University, Washington, DC. He has authored over 35 publications on various topics related to psychopathology, psychotherapy, and the history and philosophy of clinical psychology. His previous book, Sleep Paralysis: Historical, Psychological, and Medical Perspectives, co-authored with Karl Doghramji, MD, is also available through Oxford University Press.
Reviews
"It's often the case that we can learn more from exceptions to the established order of things than from generally accepted principles, and this fascinating book edited by Brian Sharpless proves that old adage once again. With substantial implications for classification and nosology of psychopathology, as well as for clinical practice, readers will be intrigued to learn about 'Jerusalem syndrome,' 'exploding head syndrome,' as well as somewhat more familiar syndromes such as 'isolated sleep paralysis.' The fact that isolated sleep paralysis, to take one example, was misconstrued for so many years as evidence of abduction by aliens should be enough to convince all clinicians and students of psychopathology to become aware of the clinical presentations in this valuable and compelling book."--David H. Barlow Ph.D, ABPP, Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry Emeritus, and Founder and Director Emeritus, Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders, Boston University "Undergraduate and graduate students find the study of psychopathology to be among the most interesting of their courses. Sharpless has brought together in this volume some of the more intriguing and unusual forms of psychopathology. The text is serious and thoughtful. Many of the chapters within this text would provide useful and instructive supplementary reading for a graduate or undergraduate abnormal psychology course."--Thomas A. Widiger, Ph.D., T. Marshal Hahn Professor of Psychology, University of Kentucky "This volume offers easy, interesting, and scientifically solid reading about a range of disorders. The parallel structures of the chapters help the reader consider and compare these different disorders using common frames. The intended audience seems to be a broad population of diagnosticians, ranging from medical and clinical psychology students through practicing clinicians. The book may alert its readers to unusual symptoms and syndromes in ways that will increase their clinical awareness and help improve their overall assessment of psychological disorders." --PsycCRITIQUES
Book Information
ISBN 9780190245863
Author Brian A. Sharpless
Format Paperback
Page Count 400
Imprint Oxford University Press Inc
Publisher Oxford University Press Inc
Weight(grams) 635g
Dimensions(mm) 155mm * 231mm * 25mm
