Product Description
This important volume brings together a wide range of research, presenting new information on the nature of functional somatic symptoms and hypochondriasis. Kellner surveys historical and current views on these topics, explores their prevalence and associations, and explains similar symptoms and variants. Also included are a number of illustrative case histories that shed light on these important public health problems. ... Read more

Product Description
At the beginning of the 21st century, an integration of the least material element of human beings, namely the psyche or, to be more precise, the psychic apparatus, into medical knowledge and clinical expertise is long overdue.

How do the mind and the body communicate? Could the mind cause diseases? This book answers these questions and proposes a comprehensive approach for doctors and psychotherapists, those who are treating somatic patients whether in hospitals or private practice. It also raises awareness among readers with an interest in new developments and fresh approaches to diseases and patients. The work demonstrates the interrelations between mind and body with reference to various scientific disciplines. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

interesting; not very innovative
The book focuses on the mutual influence of mental and physical factors in disease. On the mental side- stress and trauma; on the physical side - most diseases, as traumatic and stressogenic conditions.
The book is well written, with abundant case-presentations.
However, the thesis is already common-knowledge, and there is scarce material on other factors, up-dated research, and recommended interventions. ... Read more

Product Description
The Mind-Body Interface in Somatization:When Symptom Becomes Disease represents a unique contribution to the clinician's tool chest for diagnosing and treating psychosomatic illness.This book breaks new ground by asking and answering many of the key questions that trouble every practicing clinician:Why do patients use somatization? Can we predict who will be a somatizer? Is there an underlying process involved? Why are these patients so difficult to treat? Beginning with a discussion of contemporary disease classification, The Mind-Body Interface in Somatization clarifies matters greatly by talking in terms of chronic and situational somatization, showing that chronic patients use illness as a way of life, while situational patients somatically respond to existential crises, and revealing how both are rooted in the mind-body interface. Drawing on elements of personality theory, the authors discuss the core conflicts and character structure inherent in both types of somatization and suggest treatment options appropriately geared toward the needs of each. The Mind-Body Interface in Somatization describes how chronic somatization can be addressed by cognitive-behavioral therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, while situational somatization can be managed with short-term existential psychotherapy. Concluding with a discussion of medications that may be helpful to the somatizing patient, this volume represents an original approach to explaining what goes on in the mind of the somatizer. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

The Mind-Body Interface in Somatization:When Symptoms Become Disease.
Little is understood by both medical personel and the lay person, as to how, the Mind effects Physical illnesses and visa versa. This book supplies explicit explanations on how to recognise, understand and treat the person suffering from what was once desribed as hypocondria. This condition has long been taunted and fobbed off as "All in the Mind" of the sufferer.
With education comes understanding as the three experienced author's tackle the complexity of this little known subject.
With the diagnosis of Somatization, clarity and understanding has finally put a name to a sad confusing chronic condition.
A great book to be used as a tool of learning for the medical field as well as by the individual who just requires to understand more. An excellent read.

Eye opening
Dr. Lynn Smith wrote a number of technical books about the brain, testing and evaluation of patients. This book introduces the reader to the underlying causes of the disconnect that can exist between pain, verifiable symptom and underlying disease.If you ever wondered why some people benefit from a given treatment and others don't,this book will provide some fascinating information. While this book has some technical sections, one does not need to be a doctor to enjoy and learn from it. ... Read more

Product Description
The first book to put the physical symptoms of stress in their historical andcultural context, Shorter's fascinating history shows how patients throughoutthe centuries have experienced symptoms of stress in tandem with the culturalshifts of larger society. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Powerful, thought-provoking insights into the mind-body process
This book is one of those hidden jewels: a masterful study of how powerful and pervasive psychosomatic illness has been (and likely continues to be) in human culture, accomplished via historical observation.The text is fascinating and enjoyable.After reading this, you may find yourself asking some interesting questions about many prevalent health issues that exist today, such as chronic back pain, GI problems, headaches, chronic fatigue, etc.How much of human suffering has hidden psychogenic roots, and how paradigms within medical science might be reinforcing them, are critical issues that deserve much greater attention.This important book convincingly illuminates how powerful and pervasive such phenomena can be.Really an eye-opener.

Sloppy and Useless
Shorter talks about ME/NEIDS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/ NeuroEndocrine Immune Disease) (aka CFS) as a modern example of psychosomatic illness. The only problem is he didn't research the disease before writing his musings.There are over 5,000 articles in peer reviewed medical journals showing significant biological pathology (disease) in ME/NEIDS. The medical literature clearly proves ME/NEIDS is not psychosomatic. He writes similarly wrong conclusions about neurasthenia which was the first name for ME/NEIDS. Not a bad idea for a book, just horribly researched and written. Grade = F

Definitive book on psychosomatic illness
This is a very well researched book which is also very easy and pleasant to read. The author has scoured libraries for contemporary accounts of psychosomatic illness, mostly from physicians but sometimes from patients as well.

Shorter describes the history of psychosomatic illness from the first written accounts up to the present day. In doing so he shows how theories have changed over the centuries, and also how the symptoms themselves have changed as patients unconsciously "choose"which symptoms will be believed (although I have my doubts about whether or not this is actually the case).

The book contains many accounts of psychosomatic illness, some of which are quite entertaining (although probably not for the patients themselves).

My only criticism of the book is the lack of science. Shorter doesn't try to give any theories about the nature of psychosomatic illness and seems to think that all psychosomatic symptoms are simply generated by the unconscious mind, which can change them at will. This seems to go against known physiology, which shows that certain psychosomatic reactions (such as the defecation response to fear) are hard-wired into the nervous system and happen in animals as well as humans. Perhaps there aredifferent types of psychosomatic illness with different causes and different physiology, but Shorter doesn't address this. While this isn't a major shortcoming for a book that only professes to discuss the history of psychosomatic illness, Shorter does give the impression of having a mildly negative opinion of the "somatizers" he describes.

Overall, however, it is a very good read and I couldn't put it down. For anyone at all interested in psychosomatic illness this book is a must-have.

The authors long term perspective challenges current fads
The author has successfully applied an historian's long range perspective to currents fads and trends in health care.His view will save us from the laughter of our grandchildren and perhaps keep us and them from making thesame mistakes over and over.This is history that is useful today. History as a prescription for todays ills. ... Read more

Product Description
Psychosomatic medicine was recently recognized as a subspecialty by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, prompting creation of the first comprehensive edited volume on pediatric psychosomatic medicine by leading U.S. and international practitioners. Textbook of Pediatric Psychosomatic Medicine is a scholarly, authoritative, evidence-based review of the field designed to meet the needs of a wide range of professionals, including psychiatrists, pediatricians, psychologists, nurses, medical students, and social workers who work with children in medical settings.Notable are substantive chapters on often-neglected but critical topics, such as pediatric palliative care, Munchausen syndrome by proxy, and pediatric feeding disorders. There is also a detailed review of the topic of psychopharmacology in the physically ill child, as well as coverage of key legal and forensic issues in pediatric psychosomatic medicine.With a plethora of tables referencing psychopharmacological agents; assessment templates; and flowcharts illustrating step-by-step, pragmatic approaches to pain and somatoform disorders, the Textbook offers clinicians a comprehensive, empirically based review of assessment and treatment issues in children and adolescents with physical illness. ... Read more

Product Description
University of New Mexico, Albuquerque. Text for psychiatrists and psychologists on the complex etiology of psychosomatic illness. Includes guidelines for diagnosis and treatment. DNLM: Hypochondriasis. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

concise review
There's not enough written or understood about these topics -- which boil down to the relationship between mental experiences and physical events.This book has concise reviews of current knowledge and will point you tocore research articles.It's fairly slender, nicely written, comfortablyorganized.Won't answer all the questions you might have, but that'sbecause we don't know the answers yet.WILL probably give you gems ofinformation you weren't aware of.

Covers fibromyalgia, chronic fatique,IBS, chronic pain syndromes, hysteria, somatization, and more. Each chapterends with a long list of references. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Another Joyce McDougall's masterpiece
Joyce McDougall's personal perspective on mind-body interrelatedness and psychoanalysis maker her one of the most prolific authors in the field. You can trace the deep influence of Winnicott's theories and various french authors (such as J.Laplanche, A.Green and J.Lacan) on her work, moving from clinical observations to metapsychological explorations. Her main proposal, desafection as an alternative mechanism to repression or forclusion in the patient's dinamics and psychosomatic economy, is a major (and quite controversial)contribution to previous approaches on somatization.

Her style is fluid (unlike "The Many Faces of Eros", which centers on technical issues), including plenty of clinical vignettes and personal experiences.

A "must have" for anyone interested in somatization and psychosomatic phenomenon, specially for those in therapeutic field.

"Joined-up writing!"
I found McDougall's book challenging, enlightening and encouraging in developing a "joined-up" approach to the mind-body split. I particularly appreciated the case histories she described with such humanity and sympathy for the sufferer. As a primary care counsellor, I meet somapsychotic symptomotology on a daily basis.This book has given me courage to make imaginative leaps of interpretation rooted in the individuality of each person's unique self expression. In a recent case history discussion for a Master's programme, I found McDougall's concepts invaluable in helping to formulate and express the complexities this area of work presents. ... Read more

Product Description
Integrating internal medicine and psychotherapy, this text takes an holistic approach to those illnesses that present physical symptoms but whose underlying cause may be psychological. It is about what can happen when one takes seriously the connections between the presenting physical symptoms and the patient's story. The book recognizes that a patient's story is a woven tapestry of events, perceptions of events and responses to events, all of which have meaning for an illness. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Somatic Illness, the patient's story
This is an outstanding read. Brian Broom does a superb job in making the connection between the mind and the body. His stories and discussion should be read by every doctor, therapist, and individual. This book will open your eyes!Read it! If you read his other book, "Meaning-full Disease, you will love this one. ... Read more

Product Description
This book covers a range of human conditions. It discusses biodynamic theories and methods, and the psychological and psychoanalytic concepts that are at the heart of this distinctive approach. These writings were originally intended for students and practitioners. Some of the writings are the result of questions asked about psychosomatic conditions and how they can be treated biodynamically. The biodynamic philosophy has been applied to idiopathic disorders commonly encountered including migraine, lower back pain, the broken coccyx, Parkinsons syndrome and angina. Several case studies and some modern understanding of ancient and esoteric philosophies is included, and in a remarkably refreshing and humorous presentation of biodynamic theory we are asked 'Or would you rather be a cat?' ... Read more

Product Description
The Body Bears the Burden: Trauma, Dissociation, and Disease, Second Edition is the update of the classic book that explains the reasons behind some of the most common symptoms and conditions that previously defied a medical explanation. Respected author, Robert C. Scaer, MD, has diligently simplified the complex medical language that was used in the first edition to make it easier for lay readers and patients to understand—all without sacrificing accuracy. This valuable text presents a new theory of the neurophysiology of traumatic stress and dissociation and includes several updated chapters and new concepts that have been developed since the previous edition. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Understanding Loved Ones
This book is chock full of excellent information but be sure you have the "2nd" edition. The author notes the first edition was too technical and, at times, you'll find the second edition a bit too thorough, but well worth the trouble. His insights are groundbreaking.

I started reading this book after my Mother died. I wanted to understand why this extraordinary woman stayed with a man who was so emotionally neglectful and abusive. She died a shadow of who she was - why, what happened? Understanding how long term stress affects the physiology of the brain has been huge for me in reconnecting with her, forgiving her, and appreciating who she was, her strengths. I am deeply grateful for this book.

It also helps me understand the men and women I meet who seem to be giving away their power. I find I am more compassionate. I am curious, too, what these insights may mean for the neurologically oversensitive (Asperger's, autism, etc.).

The BOdy Bears The Burden
This book changed my life. As someone who has lived with Traumatic Brain Injury and numerous odd symptoms, I have always believed that there was a missing piece of information that I hadn't found as to why my symptoms outlived the 'usual' time frames predicted. This book explained everything that had ever made sense to me in a way that connected the dots and provided a whole picture of trauma and its effects on the body and mind. I have loaned this book to a lot of my Specialists and friends who have all found enormous pleasure and intrigue in it. Groudbreaking for anyone who has survived trauma but hasnt found a way to step out of its shadow.

Inaccurate
The sections on ME (CFS) and Fibromyalgia are inaccurate.The author states that there is no soft tissue pain in ME!! And says ME and Fibro patients are "hypervigilant' to sensory stimuli (because they were traumatized).There is central sensitization in ME/FMS due to encephalopathy/encephalitis caused by an overactive immune system and perhaps viral infection, but this represents frank physical damage to the brain not hypervigilance.

Deep knowledge, useful in a practical way.
This is a book that should be read by anyone who works in the field of body work, homeopathy, psychology, or medicine. It explains clearly how trauma is reflected in the body.This new edition can be read by anyone who has experienced past trauma and is asking themselves why they have particular symptoms. It lifts a burden for such a reader with the clarity of understanding that develops from reading this book.

I have read many books on this subject, and would rate this one the best.

The body doesn't lie.
As a bodyworker, I know the bodies I work with have stories to tell. This book has given me insight at a deeper level than I was aware of previously. It is written to be understandable to most people. I've recommended it to other bodyworkers as well as clients who have experienced past trauma. ... Read more

Product Description

The student tested-and-reviewed way to prep for the psychiatry shelf exam and the USMLE Step 2 CK

"I found the book very thorough and an overall good resource for a psychiatry rotation and USMLE Step 2 presentation. I already have recommended this book to my classmates and friends." -- Joshua Lynch, Medical Student, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

" I think this text stands up to the expectations of medical students who depend on PreTest as a study aid during preparation for exams." -- Edward Gould, Medical Student, SUNY Upstate Medical University

Praise for the last edition:
"The Pretest Series is widely used in preparing medical students for the clerkship shelf exams and the USMLE, and this psychiatry edition is, overall, quite good. The content is thorough, the questions concise, and the answers explained well. For those students who prefer to study using question-and answer type review books, this should fulfill their needs. It is nice to see an updated edition of this ever popular review book. 4 Stars!"--Doody's Review Service

Psychiatry: PreTest Self-Assessment & Review is the perfect way to assess your knowledge of psychiatry for the USMLE Step 2 CK and shelf exams. You'll find 500 USMLE-style questions and answers that address the clerkship's core competencies along with detailed explanations of both correct and incorrect answers. All questions have been reviewed by students who recently passed the boards and completed their clerkship to ensure they match the style and difficulty level of the exam.

• 500 USMLE-style questions and answers
• Detailed explanations for right and wrong answers
• Targets what you really need to know for exam success
• Student tested and reviewed

Psychiatry: PreTest Self-Assessment & Review is the closest you can get to seeing the test before you take it. Great for clerkship and the USMLE Step 2 CK! Psychiatry: PreTest asks the right questions so you'll know the right answers. Open it and start learning what's on the test.

Customer Reviews (5)

Good for general psych but not for shelf exam
I went through this book twice before taking the shelf exam. The questions in this book is too simple and straight forward. The questions on the shelf exam is very difficult and complex (i.e. a patient with a manic episode 20 years ago now shows up with depressed symptoms. what is the diagnosis?). I would recommend studying First Aid or any other resources and memorizing the DSM4 criteria for all of the major psych diseases for the shelf exam.

Purchase review
My book purchase was in excellent condition and reached me in perfect time.The service was very good.

Great Review Book
It was nice to actually test my knowledge base.Questions were challenging, but also had reference information available to read if needed.Each question had a rational for correct and incorrect answers.Great Resource.

Found it very useful
I used this book on my psych clerkship and found it to be very helpful.Most of the questions are well written and relevant.A few similar ones even showed up on my shelf test.I recommend this book.

What more do you need?
This was the only book I used during my clinical rotation in Psych.Fadem's High Yield Psych is also great. If you're planning on becoming a psychiatrist, then you should get the massive Synopsis of Psychiatry... which I always thought was just way too much info for most people.
This book fits in your white coat pocket and is great for reviewing questions in your spare time.It consists of tons of board-type questions in the same format as all the other Pre-test books, complete with explanations. ... Read more