RCPsych Publications – serie

Common mental illnesses have been diagnosed separately in recent years, but what is seldom understood is that they are all linked together, often much more closely than other disorders. In particular, combined anxiety and depression linked to personality disturbance, generally known as neuroticism, is very common. In the absence of awareness of its importance, this frequently leads to wrong clinical decisions and poor outcomes for patients. This book focuses on the concept of neurosis, tracing its history as a concept, its abolition from the DSM, the purpose and importance of the Nottingham Study of Neurotic Disorder, the re-definition of neurosis as the general neurotic syndrome, and its recently updated evidence base. Written for psychiatrists, psychologists and researchers, this book shows how recognising these combined common disorders is absolutely necessary for mental health practice, and urges that it is time that we re-examine our treatment priorities.

Consists of: a 22 minute film on DVD, 20 copies of an information booklet and a set of tutor notes. The film shows everyday examples of threatening incidents which doctors can readily identify with. The high-quality production techniques combined with atmospheric location work and use of real stories give the film an immediacy that ensures high observer involvement. Improving safety awareness is more about how people think about situations than about memorising information. Focused small-group discussion triggered by carefully selected and memorable case examples is therefore likely to be the most effective way of developing safety awareness, especially when this is reinforced by a systematic approach to safe practice as laid out in the accompanying booklet. Although best used in combination with tutor-led small-group discussion, the film and the accompanying booklet are self-contained, and can also be used as resource material in a library or self-learning room. It is suitable for anyone involved with training or tutoring trainee psychiatrists, plus those looking to refresh awareness of qualified professionals already undertaking clinical practice.