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OVERVIEW
Beset by contradictions, somatoform and factitious disorders have an unusually
long, rich, and colorful historical and clinical tradition. Yet, some of them
have received only limited empirical investigation.
This book continues that rich tradition by offering a broad and scholarly synthesis
of the current knowledge—and controversies—about somatoform and
factitious disorders. Here you'll find up-to-date, clinically focused overviews
of these intriguing and often difficult-to-treat disorders.
Recognized experts present the latest findings along with insightful recommendations
and illustrative case studies on:
- Somatization disorder—The evolution and problems
of diagnostic criteria (e.g., its focus on symptom counting), epidemiology,
clinical features, etiologic considerations, differential diagnosis (e.g.,
contrasted with depressive and anxiety disorders), evaluation (use of questionnaires),
and treatment considerations (psychotherapy, psychotropic medications).
- Hypochondriasis—History, clinical features, theoretical
models (psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and physiologic), research studies,
and practical techniques for treatment (from pharmacotherapy to cognitive
behavioral therapy to alternative treatments such as relaxation therapy).
- Body dysmorphic disorder—History and prevalence,
clinical features, treatment (including surgery and nonpsychiatric medical
treatment), etiology and pathophysiology (its relationship to obsessive-compulsive,
depressive, and eating disorders), and diagnosis and misdiagnosis.
- Conversion disorder—Diagnostic criteria and clinical
subtypes, history and definitions, models of symptom generation, functions
served by conversion symptoms, associated features, epidemiology, demographic
and disease course, comorbidity, differential diagnosis, and treatment (best
done in collaboration with an internist, primary care physician, or neurologist).
- Factitious disorders (widely known as Munchausen syndrome,
its most extreme subtype)—Empirical evidence related to epidemiology
and etiology; diagnosis, clinical description, prevalence, and associated
costs; limitations of current approaches; the reliability and usefulness of
differential diagnoses; comorbidity, etiology, and management.
Both concise and thorough, this extensively annotated volume clarifies the
issues surrounding these fascinating disorders and offers practical guidance
and recommendations, highlighting the pressing need for further research to
improve patient care. As such, it will prove compelling reading for practicing
psychiatrists and other physicians in any clinical setting who want to better
understand the baffling complexities of these distressing disorders.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Foreword.
Somatization disorder.
Hypochondriasis.
Body dysmorphic disorder.
Conversion disorder.
Factitious disorders.
Afterword.
Index.
REVIEWS
“This is a valuable addition to the existing
literature. . . . The chapters are clearly written, with several case illustrations,
and provide a helpful update of the literature.”
—Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, July/Aug 2002
“This book makes for interesting and useful reading.
In this age of psychopharmacology, second-messenger systems, and gene expression,
it is refreshing to be reminded that there still exists in psychiatry several
disorders that cannot be adequately explained by receptor dysregulation, nor
easily treated with a simple prescription. Because these disorders are still
commonly seen, it would behoove practicing psychiatrists to review them thoroughly;
this book serves that function well.”
—Doody Publishing, October 2001
“The chapters present a nice balance between
theory and practical management. Despite the relative brevity of the book, I
found the reviews comprehensive enough for the book to be used as a reference
text. I would recommend this as a textbook to primary care residents as part
of their training. They must contend with somatoform disorders on a daily basis.
I would also highly recommend the book to any mental health professional who
consults regularly with medical colleagues. When I am consulted for the impossible
task of having to 'rule out conversion disorder,' it will be good to know that
this text is on my bookshelf.”
—Robert J. Gregory, M.D., Psychosomatics, September 2003
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Katherine A. Phillips, M.D., is Associate Professor of Psychiatry
and Human Behavior, Brown University School of Medicine in Providence, Rhode
Island. She is also Associate Medical Director of Ambulatory Care and Director
of Body Dysmorphic Disorder at Butler Hospital in Providence.
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