Personality disorders consist of long-term patterns of maladaptive behaviour which have a generally unrecognised importance in clinical practice. However, personality disorders are the origins of many medical consultations and social ills, including substance abuse, alcoholism, self-harm, suicide, neglect of children, criminality and HIV transmission. In a comprehensive summary and evaluation of the clinical literature, this book seeks to dispel the myth that personality disorder is simply a category for those problem individuals for whom nothing can be done. With detailed coverage of recognition, assessment and management, Drs Dowson and Grounds provide a co-ordinated empirically-based account of those aspects of personality disorders which are of relevance to psychiatrists and allied disciplines, including clinical psychologists, social workers, criminologists, specialist nurses and primary care physicians.

‘This book is a tremendous outing for that enfant terrible of psychiatry, personality disorder.’

Bill Fulford Source: The Times Higher Education Supplement