Review of Comprehensive casebook of cognitive therapy.

Reviews the book, Comprehensive casebook of cognitive therapy edited by Arthur Freeman and Frank W. Dattilio (see record 1993-97032-000). This volume details somewhat over 30 individual cases to illustrate how cognitive strategies can be applied to a wide range of presenting problems. The Casebook takes seriously its intent to be "comprehensive," offering case examples of several mental disorders. Each case begins with a briefing on the patient's background and presenting problems, but, according to the reviewer, editors Freeman and Dattilio have ably succeeded in keeping their authors focused primarily on the sequence of interventions that enables their patients to move from distress to more positive functioning. The reviewer believes that this tightly managed casebook will be helpful to both students in courses on cognitive therapy as well as the experienced therapist by clarifying the potential traps and the potential treasures inherent in cognitive approaches to treatment. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Gender and Psychopathology.

Reviews the book, Gender and Psychopathology by Ihsan Al-Issa (Ed.) (1982). The reviewer maintains that this book appears to achieve its aim of providing a comprehensive review of gender-psychopathology relationships. Nevertheless, because the range of convenience of the psychopathology construct has not been clearly delineated, an assessment of the book's comprehensiveness cannot easily be made. Furthermore, the often uncritical acceptance of official figures on rates of psychiatric disorders obscures the social context in which psychiatric labeling takes place. It would seem to this reviewer that data on rates of disorders in men and women need to be understood in terms of both the structural characteristics of the mental health system generating these figures and the formal categories used by mental health workers. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Neurophilosophy of free will: From libertarian illusions to a concept of natural autonomy.

Reviews the book, Neurophilosophy of free will: From libertarian illusions to a concept of natural autonomy by Henrik Walter and C. Klohr (2001). In this book, Henrik Walter applies the methodology of neurophilosophy to one of philosophy’s central challenges and enduring questions: the notion of free will. The author argues that free will is an illusion if we mean by it that under identical conditions we would be able to do or decide otherwise, while simultaneously acting only for reasons and being the true originators of our actions. In place of this problematic version of free will, Walter offers what he calls “natural autonomy,” that is, self-determination unaided by supernatural powers that could exist even in an entirely determined universe. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Recollecting Freud.

Reviews the book, Recollecting Freud by Isidor Sadger (2005). The author, Isidor Sadger (1867-1942), was a Viennese neurologist who first heard Freud lecture in September 1895, and then later joined (1906) Freud's Wednesday Psychological Society. The name of that organization was later changed to the Vienna Psychoanalytic Society, and Sadger remained in it until 1933. The book itself contains, he tells us, "nothing other than what I personally experienced, and the impressions that Freud's character, his actions and writing made on me. In no place have I sought to present biographical details that I did not myself witness" (p. 5). This review is presented in two parts: (1) an examination of its merits and limitations, and (2) an explanation of how a text first written in the late 1920s came to be published now for the first time. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Psychopathology: Contemporary Jungian perspectives.

Reviews the book, Psychopathology: Contemporary Jungian perspectives edited by Andrew Samuels (see record 1991-97962-000). This book is a collection of relevant articles culled by the editor from the Journal of Analytical Psychology. Because the editor has collected what was available rather than having commissioned items specifically to span the topic for the book, the coverage of the range of psychopathology is spotty, although the major topics of depression, anxiety, psychosis, and personality disorders are covered. Several articles on narcissism are included as are also articles dealing with marital pathology and Holocaust victims. Most are from the perspective of Jungian therapy with the only other theoretical input used coming from self psychology. No other approaches are mentioned. Obviously, the book is likely to be a useful compendium to Jungian analysts. It is somewhat difficult to see how it could be useful to practitioners of other points of view. The language is replete with Jungian terms that are not explained and may not be immediately understandable for persons outside that system. There are two additional major flaws that are also apparent: The tone and language are decidedly British and refer to how the British mental health system is organized, which is, of course, somewhat different than ours; also, because of the publication dates, many of the articles have a dated quality. Both of these factors limit the potential audience for this book. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Theory and problems of adolescent development.

Reviews "Theory and problems of adolescent development," by David P. Ausubel (see record 1955-00581-000). Unlike most other books in this area, this book offers a systematic presentation of psychological knowledge woven around a dynamic point of view. It is a scholarly book written in language that makes for easy and interesting reading. The author opens his book with an organized set of arguments designed to convince his readers that there is justification for a book on the "Psychology of Adolescent Development." His major premise states that "adolescence is treated as a separate developmental period not because it covers a decade but because it spans an interval in which distinctive changes occur in a biosocial status of the human organism. The author has marshaled his psychological knowledge and psychiatric experience into a well-organized book. Dr. Ausubel quotes freely from other authors and from his own writings and research. There are extensive references contained in the bibliography at the end of each chapter. Although the author states that "this book is primarily intended as an advanced textbook in adolescent psychology for graduate students in psychology and education," it would appear that this book is written with sufficient clarity and nontechnical language to be used in any college course dealing with adolescent behavior. It would be especially desirable in clinically-oriented courses. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Natural theories of mind: Evolution, development and simulation of everyday mindreading.

Reviews the book, Natural theories of mind: Evolution, development and simulation of everyday mindreading edited by Andrew Whiten (see record 1991-97348-000). In recent years there has been a phenomenal growth in interest and research directed at what, has become known as a Theory of Mind ("ToM") and its development. Among the many edited books recently made available on the topic, Whiten's Natural theories of mind is unique in the eclectic, multidisciplinary approach it brings to this vital, yet fledgling area. This interdisciplinary approach, which also includes a chapter by Carrithers placing the development of a theory of mind within the broader context of sociology and anthropology, is at the same lime both the strength of this volume and its limitation. It may be that few will read this book cover-to-cover (not a remarkable criticism for an edited book). Those who do will be given an unusually broad overview of this hot research area and the interdisciplinary context within which the area can best be understood and from which it will most profitably develop. Whiten's collection is therefore recommended both to those who are looking for an entrance into the theory of mind literature and for those already embroiled in the field who are looking for new perspectives. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Psychoanalytic Interpretation in Rorschach Testing.

Reviews the book, Psychoanalytic Interpretation in Rorschach Testing by Roy Schafer (1954). This is one of the very few books on psychological testing addressed to the advanced worker. Many have been the books on Rorschach for novitiates, detailing how to administer and score the test; few have been the books on how also to interpret the results; and almost nonexistent have been the books dedicated to content analysis of the Rorschach. This is such a book. Additionally it is, to the best of this reviewer's knowledge, the first book that explicitly attempts to root the entire test firmly in a given personality theory, in this case the neo-analytic ego theory of the Freudian school. This book officially initiates a new trend in Rorschach interpretation, a trend that is heavily indebted to E. Schachtel. Schachtel demonstrated how the test could be utilized to ascertain the individual's attitude toward the test, the examiner, the entire test situation, and even to his own responses toward the inkblots, and how, from this information, the personality structure of the individual could be deduced. Taking his cue from Schachtel, but attempting to go beyond it, Schafer stresses content interpretation to the extent of eliminating most of the usual considerations of scores, percentages, and the like--not that such scores are completely unimportant, Schafer is careful to point out, but because he wishes to demonstrate how much may be achieved without them. Clearly, his book starts, not where other books leave off, but where other books have yet to probe. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Mental disorder in Canada: An epidemiological perspective.

Reviews the book, Mental disorder in Canada: An epidemiological perspective edited by John Cairney and David L . Streiner (see record 2010-14072-000). This book includes 20 chapters organized into six sections. In short, it reviews and summarizes Canadian population level research on mental disorders. While it is obvious the topic is important, a book focused on epidemiological research seemed like it would be more of a valuable resource than a stimulating read. In their introduction, some of the editors’ comments are consistent with the reviewers initial speculation, but there is also passion in their writing and they clearly state a more ambitious goal of showcasing Canadian contributions to psychiatric epidemiology. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Animal models for psychiatry.

Reviews the book, Animal models for psychiatry by J. D. Keehn (1986). The topic of this book is timely, for the use of nonhuman laboratory animals in behavioural research has become a controversial issue. As an expert on ethical issues in psychological research, Keehn is an appropriate person to examine and summarize the role of nonhuman species in the study of abnormal behaviour. In the first section of the book, Keehn attempts to evaluate the ethics of behavioural experimentation with nonhuman subjects and to summarize several principles of humane experimental procedures. In the second part of the book he catalogues various clinical syndromes in nonhumans and describes various experimental paradigms that he believes are appropriate for the study of "psychiatric" disorders. As a defence of animal research and a summary of animal syndromes, the book is successful. As a summary of animal models and a guide for the researcher, both novice and experienced, I found the book disappointing on two scores. First, the book is not held together by any theoretical glue but rather seems more of a catalogue of examples of psychopathology in nonhumans. My second disappointment comes from the author's uneven emphasis on different disorders. Overall, I enjoyed the book and feel it is a useful volume. It provides an extensive summary of examples of psychopathology in nonhumans and illustrates the usefulness of behavioural studies as models of neurotic conditions in particular. Further, it argues forcefully for the importance of behavioural research in the study of mental disorders and could serve as a good place for undergraduates to read about the issues involved in animal research. The book falls short, however, as a "must have" volume for those active researchers or clinicians. Unfortunately, it offers us little insight into the nature of psychopathologic behaviour in either human or nonhuman subjects. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Psychopathology in the mentally retarded.

Reviews the book, Psychopathology in the mentally retarded by Johnny L. Matson and Rowland P. Barrett (see record 1985-97358-000). This book is an important contribution to the available literature on emotional and behavioral disorders in clients with the additional disability of mental retardation. This text is intended to provide the clinician and researcher with a broad view of existing empirical data dealing with mentally retarded individuals who exhibit psychopathology. As such, it provides a valuable review of much empirical research, especially that with a clear behavioral formulation. The text also is updated to include a DSM-III formulation of psychiatric disorders. The book is successful in achieving the goal of providing broad, empirical data. The book would be a wise purchase for the skilled clinician, although it is not a clinical handbook or "how-to" manual. The behaviorally oriented clinician will be most comfortable with the general approach and organization of the material. The book is essential to the library of the researcher in the field. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Psychophysiologic medicine.

Reviews the book, Psychophysiologic medicine by Eugene Ziskind (see record 1954-08809-000). Here is a book written for the general medical practitioner that will interest psychologists more by its purpose than by its content. Its premise is that one-third of the patients seeking medical aid have symptoms solely or primarily due to psychogenic pathology and another third combine psychogenic with physiogenic pathology. The requirement for psychodiagnosis and psychotherapy in the treatment of general medical disorders is clear indeed. The book consists of four parts. The first one provides background and orientation to the problem. The second part is concerned with diagnostic and psychotherapeutic technique. The third part consists of a review of familial and other social factors in psychopathology, plus a general treatment of psychiatric syndromes and common psychiatric emergencies with which the physician may be confronted. The fourth part includes a useful review of contemporary schools of psychiatric thought. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Cognitive-behavioral therapy for bipolar disorder and Cognitive therapy for delusions, voices, and paranoia.

Reviews the books, Cognitive-behavioral therapy for bipolar disorder by Monica Ramirez Basco and A. John Russo (see record 1996-98072-000) and Cognitive therapy for delusions, voices, and paranoia by Paul Chadwick, Max Birchwood, and Peter Trower (see record 1996-97983-000). The mental health service system is largely based on the oft encountered, often implicit, belief among professionals that, since Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, and other severe forms of mental illnesses have been shown to have a biological basis, there is no point in providing psychotherapy for individuals afflicted with these disorders. These two books represent a welcome exception to this situation. While different in many ways, including their treatment goals and many of their theoretical underpinnings, both books represent an attempt to allow the severely mentally ill to benefit from techniques which have been demonstrated to be effective for less severely disturbed populations. Both approaches illustrate ways that the severely mentally ill may be able to be helped through psychosocial intervention, and both acknowledge the importance of client collaboration in treatment, a consideration easy to overlook when the client has a severe mental illness. The books are also similar in that neither one offers sufficient empirical data to support the effectiveness of its approach. The two books reviewed here represent, in the reviewer's opinion, significant contributions to the field of psychotherapy. Even if the clinician takes issue with the techniques presented or with the theoretical assumptions underlying the approaches, he/she should come away with a renewed appreciation of the importance of including the client in treatment planning, even if the client has a severe mental illness. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Mad travelers: Reflections on the reality of transient mental illness.

Reviews the book, Mad travelers: Reflections on the reality of transient mental illness by Ian Hacking (see record 1998-08112-000). The American Psychiatric Association produced its first Diagnostic and Statistic Manual (DSM) in 1952. It took 16 years to make the revisions that were published as DSM II, 12 years to produce DSM-III, 7 to produce DSM-III Revised, and a mere 7 more to create DSM-IV. It appears that the official accounts of mental, emotional, and behavioural problems change over the years. Moreover, some disorders change so drastically that they can assume epidemic proportions in one situation, while virtually non-existent in another. Such disorders are the focus of Hacking's book. The book is based on talks he gave in the Page-Barbour lecture series at the University of Virginia in 1997. Hacking's purpose is to explore what he calls "transient mental illnesses," those that seem to be confined to a particular time and place—an ecological niche that permits and even nourishes them. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Female homosexuality: Choice without volition--A psychoanalytic study.

Reviews the book, Female homosexuality: Choice without volition--A psychoanalytic study by Elaine V. Siegel (see record 1988-97461-000). In Female Homosexuality: Choice Without Volition, Elaine Siegel makes her theoretical lineage and clinical goals explicit from the outset; she dedicates the book to Charles Socarides, MD, and credits her "immersal in and application of" his work with the fact that "some of [her] patients were able to become heterosexual." Socarides is best known for his theories about developmental deficits in male homosexuals and for his ardent work in the 1970s to persuade the American Psychiatric Association to maintain homosexuality as a psychiatric diagnosis. Siegel applies his schematization of male homosexuality to female homosexuals, with a twist. She argues that whereas male homosexuals tend to overvalue their genitals, female homosexuals have failed to "take full possession of their vaginas", a failure that both she and Theodore L. Dorpat in his introduction refer to as a "calamity." The bulk of the book consists of elaborate case presentations of eight of Siegel's analysands, preceded and followed by several theoretical chapters, one of which describes Siegel's "psychoanalytic armamentarium." (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Moving psychotherapy: Theory and application of Pesso System/Psychomotor therapy.

Reviews the book, Moving psychotherapy: Theory and application of Pesso System/Psychomotor therapy by Albert Pesso and John Crandell (see record 1991-98008-000) . How many schools of psychotherapy are there? 250-300 schools, depending on one's definition? The present text, apparently, adds one new school of psychotherapy. This book is a third publication expounding the ideas of Pesso. The school's title name is: (PS/P) Pesso System/Psychotherapy and has its roots in its founder (Pesso) who is convinced that he has discovered a method of integrating the mind (psyche) and the body. The latter is the "motor." Pesso was a dancer—hence the feature of movement (motor). In 1969 and 1973 Pesso had two books published in which he attempted to explain his system of psychotherapy. The present book furthers the former texts, adding new ideas. Moreover, numerous authors contribute to what they believe are the benefits of PS/P. The book tends to suggest a broad readership ranging from beginning counselors to seasoned therapists looking for something new. In brief it appears as though Pesso and his followers believe they have hit a therapeutic gold mine. According to this reviewer, they haven't. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Play, dreams and imitation in childhood.

Reviews the book, Play, dreams and imitation in childhood by Jean Piaget (see record 1953-01024-000). According to the reviewer, this book is the third of a series of books devoted to the development of rational thought in the child. The first section of the book deals with the development of imitation, the second with the problem of play under which a considerable discussion of dreams is subsumed, and the last section ties these together in a discussion of cognitive representation. To the present reviewer it seems that the material on imitation is the most original contribution, much of the other material having been discussed in various other previous books by Piaget. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Understanding countertransference: From protective identification to empathy.

Reviews the book, Understanding countertransference: From protective identification to empathy by Michael J. Tansey and Walter F. Burke (see record 1989-97388-000). This book includes an excellent historical review of the literature, including "four decades of silence" (1910-1949) on the subject of countertransference. They offer the reader definitions of important terms such as projective identification, empathy, etc., and also an extended discussion of how countertransference may be used by a psychotherapist to produce good results in the analysis of a patient and how it may also prove destructive. At the end they summarize the "various threads" of the book and suggest possible future work. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Mental health law in Canada.

Reviews the book, Mental health law in Canada by Harvey Savage and Carla McKague (1987). Mental health professionals who come into contact with the law in the course of their work generally have an interest in the well-being of the client. However, they often feel dismayed and confused because of their lack of understanding of mental law and the legal system in general. Until recently, mental health professionals in Canada could not turn to a single volume which would help explain mental health law, including their clients' rights. However, Harvey Savage and Carla McKague's book, Mental health law in Canada, will help alleviate some of the concern and confusion Canadian mental health professionals have come to know. Although some authors have written about Canadian mental health law in specific contexts (e.g., criminal responsibility or fitness to stand trial), Savage and McKague's contribution is the only available comprehensive source directed to the law affecting psychiatric patients. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Becoming solution-focused in brief therapy.

Reviews the book, Becoming solution-focused in brief therapy by John L. Walter and Jane E. Peller (see record 1992-97355-000). With this book, the authors' goal was to produce a manual to aid therapists in learning the model of constructing solutions in brief therapy. Theoretical assumptions about personality development and psychotherapy technique which are crucial to implementing the model are presented. Walters and Peller work within a framework which assumes that problems are maintained by individuals functioning in family and organizational systems and that these individuals have the resources to change personal behavior. Interactional patterns between individuals in various systems are the focus of attention. The book is a clear and consistent portrayal of a therapy approach which is growing in application. It is readable and practical. In summary, this is an effective book which demonstrates alternate theories (exceptions) which could provide an almost miraculous solution to some troubled clients. Advanced graduate students and active practitioners will find this a helpful book in learning the model of constructing solutions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)