Textbook of Clinical Neuropsychiatry PDF

Preface

This second edition of the Textbook of Clinical Neuropsychiatry, like the first, is a practical, clinically oriented text that is designed to equip readers to diagnose and treat the multitude of neuropsychiatric disorders they encounter. It is divided into three parts: Part 1 describes the diagnostic assessment of patients and details the interview, mental status examination, neurologic examination and ancillary investigations; Part 2 provides a thorough description of the various signs, symptoms and syndromes that are seen in neuropsychiatric practice; and Part 3 presents virtually all of the specific disorders seen in neuropsychiatric practice, in each instance detailing clinical features, course, etiology, differential diagnosis, and treatment.

The literature devoted to neuropsychiatric disorders is vast, encompassing, as it does, much of both neurology and psychiatry, and I have attempted to cull from this tremendous reservoir those references that are of most use to the clinician. Although the preponderance of references are from the recent past, classic authors are not neglected and readers will find references to the works of such physicians as Alzheimer, Binswanger, Bleuler, Hughlings Jackson, Kraepelin, and Kinnier Wilson. In all, over 5000 references are included, thus providing readers not only with ready access to further detail on any particular subject, but also with a window on the literature as a whole.

I am deeply indebted to the reviewers of the first edition, and to many other readers who have offered comments, critiques, and suggestions: they have enabled me to write a second edition, which, I believe, is far stronger than the first. Neuropsychiatry is a rapidly growing specialty, and it is my hope that this text will not only help solidify the field but also enable the reader to practice it successfully. As with the first edition, so too with this second one, I invite both newcomers and established practitioners to try using it in their own practices, as I think they may well find it as indispensable as I do.