Customer Reviews

Borderline Personality Disorder: A Clinical Guide

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I just got this book and have not read it cover to cover - probably never will, but that's not what I got it for. Rather, for me (as a practicing clinician and supervisor) it is the kind of book I will refer to frequently as needed - it contains a goldmine of up to date synthesis, overview, summary, commentary, advice, nifty tables, etc. in just about any area related to treatment of the Borderline Disorder and beautifully organized and accessible. All that and it combines empirical and theoretical issues very smoothly. It could certainly be read profitably front to back by someone wanting a course in the subject. As an added bonus I have already found it very useful in putting together an insurance review!

Covers ALL aspects of the condition from etiology, new theories, treatment and pitfalls. Although technical in nature, treaters should have no problem in getting through the material and greatly enhancing their understanding of Borderline Disorders.

If you know about Borderline Personality Disorder, you know that Gunderson is the standard-setter. After years of research, Gunderson demonstrates repeatedly that he has a command of the subject matter unsurpassed by other professionals. His conceptual model is also more helpful than others (e.g., DSM-IV-TR).

Having met John Gunderson in person, I would describe his tactics as those of a sadist or misogynist rather than those of a doctor of psychology. The man seems to enjoy nothing more than distressing his patients, almost for sport. I've more seen him smile maniacally over a patient whose confidence he has shaken to the core using a barrage of unsettling and prying tactics designed to accuse, belittle, and shame the patient--often to the point of tears. Once the patient, usually female, is manipulated to the height of a tearful outburst, he then remarks with smug satisfaction that he has evoked a 'typical response of BPD.'

What he has in fact done is verbally abuse a human being, but he seems to have no qualms with that. This man is irresponsible and reprehensible. He has merely repackaged 'hysteria' in his book, whose pages he has written on the pains of hundreds of patients for whom he has probably caused more harm than good. He has no sympathy for the human condition, and he is in my opinion a blight on the profession. This man is no expert. He is a malevolent buffoon.

What ever any psychiatrist fantansizes,there is no escape from these patients.So,better be prepared.I cannot think of a volume which packs so much useful and practical information,by one of the top experts on the illness.i recommend this book without hestation,to any busy clinician.

I know that this is an ad hominem blurb . I worked at Maclean Hospital for many years. People's (patients and staff's) response to Gunderson's cruelty is commonplace . He has most recently been portrayed in the book Mount Misery through the character "Heiler." John Gunderson is well known for his arrogance and cruelty by legions of Maclean staff and patients through the years. You have my condolences to anyone for having endured his company. My advise is to not take him personally. He's been like that with most everybody since he started in 1969. Simply ask virtually anyone who has met him (colleague or patient.)

John Gunderson diagnosed me with Borderline Personality Disorder five years ago. I've finally gotten around to reading his book and it's pseudoscientific nonsense not worth the paper it's written on. For therapy, I plan to shred his book, mix it with manure, and compost it, and I highly recommend you buy Rodale's Book of Composting instead of this mindless piece of pulp.