Author Description

This book will help general practitioners and other members of the primary care team cope with the multitude of psychological problems presented to them in everyday practice. It not only covers disorders which carry psychiatric names, but also discusses conditions which cannot be given cleardiagnostic labels and which often reflect problems in adapting to difficult situations. After an introductory section which outlines the sciences basic to the subject, the incidence of psychological problems in primary care is reviewed. This is followed by a chapter on practical management,including consideration of the consultation, counselling and psychotherapy, crisis intervention, prescribing, and the nature of community services. Also covered are the family life cycle and the influence of change on people's psychological well-being, and psychosomatic, organic, and functionaldisorders, including drug addiction. Throughout the book there is an emphasis on helping troubled individuals to help themselves.