Customer Reviews:
 The best book on general psychiatry. July 22, 2007
Loay A. Bilal (Hayward, CA, United States)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This book promises to present psychiatry with the right mix of brain and mind. The first part of the book, gives an elegant introduction to the biopsychosocial framework, and summarizes the aspects of psychology, sociology, and anthropolgy that informs the subject. A great case (The mayor of Wino park, an alcoholic with bipolar illness) is used to illustrate the science and art of psychiatric interviewing, differential diagnosis, and biopsychosocial planning and treatment.
The next part of the book details psychopathology, categorized to obey the DSM-IV format, and offer very useful illustrative case examples.
The last part of the book gives a great summary of treatments in psychiatry, be them somatic, psychological, or social.
I would say that this is probably the most readable text on general psychiatry.
Even though it is geared toward medical students, I believe it is very appropriate for residents and practicioners, since it covers the core of the subject, and coveys all that is worth remembering.
The only drawback of the book is that it is relatively outdated. A newer edition that incorporates the many new changes over the past seven years is well overdue.
 An excellent resource August 7, 1998
2 out of 3 found this review helpful
I really like the way this book is organized. Each topic is broken down into the same few areas, making reference easy. The language is easy to understand and the charts are helpful for studying. The case studies are also helpful in getting a full understanding.
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