Synopses & Reviews
We all have times when we're feeling down, anxious, over the top, or on edge. Or times when we can't sleep, feel spaced out or disconnected from things, can't remember names or faces, can't get over past traumas. Problems like these are often a common and normal part of the aches and pains of everyday life. However, if these problems last long enough, are severe enough, or interfere with work or relationships, it may mean that you or someone you care about has a diagnosable and treatable disorder.
Written by the same doctors who led the effort to produce the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) -- the reference text used by the majority of mental health professionals -- Am I Okay? is a thorough, completely authoritative guide designed to help people identify whether or not they have a psychiatric condition as early as possible.
Am I Okay? also includes the following features:
* "Twenty Questions to Get You Started": a diagnostic screening questionnaire that covers most known psychiatric problems
* Detailed chapters on a range of mental health issues, from Depression, Personality Disorders, and Alcohol and Substance Abuse to Anxiety, Dissociative Experiences, and more
* Information about national organizations, support groups, and other sources of help, as well as suggested readings for more information
Synopsis
One out of five people in this country suffers from a definable mental disorder or substance problem, yet few get the treatment they need because they fail to seek help. Am I Okay? will help people identify whether or not a psychiatric problem exists -- and give them authoritative, easily understood information about the nature of the disorder and its treatment options.
Am I Okay? also includes "Twenty Questions to Get You Started, " a diagnostic screening questionnaire covering the wide range of physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms that may indicate problems. (Some readers will find that they are, in fact, okay and can put their worries to rest.) Each question refers readers to the specific section of the book where they will find a detailed description of the disorder, complete with the range of treatments available, suggestions for further reading, and listings of self-help, support, and advocacy groups and other useful sources and further information.
Like an easy-to-use map, Am I Okay? charts the territory mental illness and guides readers along the pathway to better health.
Synopsis
We all have times when we're feeling down, anxious, over the top, or on edge. Or times when we can't sleep, feel spaced out or disconnected from things, can't remember names or faces, can't get over past traumas.
Problems like these are often a common and normal part of the aches and pains of everyday life. However, if these problems last long enough, are severe enough, or interfere with work or relationships, it may mean that you or someone you care about has a diagnosable and treatable disorder.
Written by the same doctors who led the effort to produce the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) -- the reference text used by the majority of mental health professionals -- Am I Okay? is a thorough, completely authoritative guide designed to help people identify whether or not they have a psychiatric condition as early as possible.
Am I Okay? also includes the following features:
x "Twenty Questions to Get You Started": a diagnostic screening questionnaire that covers most known psychiatric problems
x Detailed chapters on a range of mental health issues, from Depression, Personality Disorders, and Alcohol and Substance Abuse to Anxiety, Dissociative Experiences, and more
x Information about national organizations, support groups, and other sources of help, as well as suggested readings for more information
About the Author
Allen Frances, M.D., is Professor of Psychiatry and former chairman of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science at Duke University. Dr. Frances was chairman of the DSM-IV Task Force and is currently leading an effort to develop expert consensus practice guidelines for the different psychiatric disorders.
Table of Contents
ContentsIntroduction: How This Book Can Help You
Twenty Questions to Get You Started
Chapter 1: The "Blues"
Chapter 2: Euphoric or Irritable Mood
Chapter 3: Anxiety, Fear, and Avoidance
Chapter 4: Obsessions or Compulsions
Chapter 5: Exposure to Traumatic Events
Chapter 6: Alcohol or Substance Use Problems
Chapter 7: Abnormal Eating
Chapter 8: Sexual or Gender Problems
Chapter 9: Sleep-Related Problems
Chapter 10: Personality Disorders
Chapter 11: Unexplained Physical Complaints
Chapter 12: Other Impulse-Control Problems
Chapter 13: Dissociative Experiences
Chapter 14: Adjustment Disorder
Chapter 15: Loss of Reality Testing
Chapter 16: Cognitive Difficulties
Chapter 17: Delays in Development
Chapter 18: Childhood Behavior Problems
Chapter 19: Hyperactivity or Distractibility
Chapter 20: Other Childhood Problems
Conclusion: Ten Take-Home Messages
Index