Case Studies in Abnormal Psychology

I have been looking for something like this as model narratives and analyses.

It's been 25 years since I read my first collection of case studies. The purpose and presentation hasn't changed much. In each, readers are offered the presenting symptoms and circumstances and led through how the clinician made a diagnosis and how treatment processed. Given the complexities of the human mind, it's an essential guide to helping students of psychology transition from theoretical to practical, seeing the psychiatric profession at work. It's also a good opportunity for practicing professionals to refresh.This collection of case studies is classic in its style and presentation. The cases are presented clearly in a way that readers at all points of the professional spectrum should be follow and understand them. Jargon is minimal; empathy is high.

I am just an amateur observer and student of psychology, but admit to pouring over the DSM from time to time to try to figure out what makes people do the things they do. So, this volume is right up my curiosity alley. So far, I have read the case studies on histrionic personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder and borderline personality disorder, and the case studies show how alternative diagnoses are ruled in and out, and how verbal and physical evidence and cues help guide the diagnostic process. Each case study is presented in detail and each illustrates the thought process that psych people follow to determine how to help. Very interesting stuff.

These case studies are not titilating or extreme, but they are well written and very good examples of the format, as well as offering useful insight into the diagnosis and treatment of the conditions described. As a text, it will prove useful for anyone needing to learn and understand how to compose and maintain a good case study.

An interesting eclectic assortment of detailed case studies described thru the eyes of a talented clinicians. It’s nice to understand some of the disorders described in a real life case scenario as opposed to typically made up or summarized versions found in some educational texts. Allows you to really see the complexity behind each diagnosis and how special training and thorough understanding is required when making sound diagnosis.

On-time delivery. The contents were great and I learned many things. Very interesting cases and methods dealing with disorders. The print is not too tiny and can be read easily. They have questions at the end of each case so you can try and evaluate your understanding.

I love this little book. It covers several mental illnesses and explains them using case studies. The case studies are just so interesting. It is beautifully written.