Introduction to Psychopathology

Alessandra Lemma is a practising Chartered Clinical and Counselling Psychologist. She also works as an adult psychotherapist and is a clinical tutor in the Sub-Department of Clinical Health Psychology at University College London.

`This book is appropriately pitched at an introductory level, the author taking pains to explain basic psychological and psychiatric concepts and organizational procedures... a highly accessible and excellent introductory text for psychology undergraduates and students of counselling′ - Behaviour Research and Therapy`Although this book is written with the counsellor or psychotherapist working in a GP practice in mind, it is also invaluable reading for anyone whose work involves them in counselling or psychotherapy. This book brings together research and clinical practice to enhance the practitioner′s understanding of the various manisfestations of psychopathology. It is seen as good practice to consider what research has shown in the field of psychopathology and this book aims to provide a concise review of the literature as a springboard for subsequently questioning it.... What I liked most about this book was that it was easy to read. It assumed no prior knowledge of mental health issues and, whether you agreed or disagreed with what was written, the arguments were stated clearly. In addition, I also liked the space given over to age, gender, social environment and cross-cultural issues. Counsellor training courses would be all the richer for including this book as a course reader′ - Changes`The challenges of dealing with the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of psychopathology are great, even for the most experienced therapist... Alessandra Lemma provides a book that presents all the necessary tools for the beginning therapist in a clear, concise and intuitive manner, making it an invaluable handbook for students of psychotherapy and a good reference for established therapists... The book aims objectively to present a review of the existing literature in the field of psychopathology, to critically evaluate its relevance to clinical practice and thus to inspire readers to develop their own opinions and curiosity about the area. It can only be said that the author most definitely achieves her aims. The book is well-written and well-structured so that it progresses naturally and logically from one subject to the other... The book is aimed at counsellors and psychotherapists who are working in GP practices and are therefore more likely to get referrals for clients who have identifiable psychiatric problems. However, it could be read with particular advantage by would-be therapists who have embarked on their training or those who have just qualified and need a constant and accessible reminder of the key elements of assessment and referral in psychotherapy. I recommend that all therapists have a copy of this book on their shelf, particularly therapists for whom this group of clients may not be the norm but who need to be able to carry out assessments for the purpose of referral... Overall, this is an excellent introduction to psychopathology, covering the main issues and giving the reader some practical guidelines for working in the area′ - Psychology, Health & Medicine`I was most impressed by the author′s thoroughness in writing this book. She seems to leave no stone uncovered... [this is] a work which should become a necessity for all counsellors, counselling psychologists, psychiatric nurses and psychotherapists... This is a book to which I will make reference time and time again, and one which will occupy a prominent place in my library′ - Counselling, The Journal of the British Association for Counselling`Well-written... a useful resource for counsellors′ - Windy Dryden`This is a clearly written, concise overview of the principles underlying mental health assessment and therapeutic interventions... [which] includes background information for practitioners and a detailed look at psychological conditions and treatment options... The presentation of guidelines and ground rules for both the client and therapist is helpful. In addition, the author provides suggestions for managing the referral process. The chapters examining psychological issues follow a clear format, creating a good reference guide for use in developing an understanding of mental illness... Current research and theory is nicely integrated... this book is a good introduction to issues in psychopathology... The examination of various intervention techniques from different theoretical perspectives is conducted in a nonbiased manner. Overall, this is an easy-to-understand approach to complex issues′ - Contemporary Psychology

• What Is Psychopathology?Developmental PsychopathologyAssessmentThe Management of ReferralsDepressionSuicide and Self-HarmAnxietyEating ProblemsPsychosisPersonality DisordersConclusion