Catatonia: A Clinician's Guide to Diagnosis and Treatment (Paperback)

~ (Author), Michael Alan Taylor (Author) "While we have no doubt that catatonia has long been a feature of human behavior, the first description in our literature is that of a..." (more)
Key Phrases: primary akinetic mutism, retarded catatonia, benzodiazepine challenge, American Psychiatric Association, Stony Brook, New York (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...an excellent book on catatonia. The book is a very interesting and clinically relevant review of the authors' extensive experience in the research and treatment of this neuropsychiatric illness...Authors Fink and Taylor provide us with valuable clinical experience and information for an improved understanding and a more effective treatment of this form of psychosis." Psychological Medicine

"There are no publications to which I can compare this book. In general, it is a book for clinicians who wish to enhance their knowledge of catatonia and feel confident they are treating it as the experts in the field would suggest. The subtitle, 'A Clinicians' Guide to Diagnosis and Treatment' is an apt description. Since the severe, life-threatening forms of catatonia are infrequent, this book will serve as an excellent source for consultation when faced with neuroleptic malignant syndrome, delirious mania, classical catatonia, or other presentations of the syndrome. It comprehensively summarizes and discusses the collective wisdom found in the literature as well as in the practice of these two renowned clinical research scientists. The book succeeds in its purpose and I highly recommend it for those who treat acutely ill patients, particularly in an inpatient setting." Doody's Review ServiceG

"Overall, the book is extremely readable, informative, and engaging. It is impossible not to be drawn to the drama of the vignettes. The authors have done a great service to psychiatric patients by bringing this syndrome back into the consciousness of psychiatrists, especially young trainees. This book should be read by psychiatrists whose practice extends beyond pure psychotherapy, and should be owned by every psychiatrist who performs ECT. Neurologists, too, would do themselves a favor by gaining an introduction to catatonia through this book." Journal of ECT

Product Description

Catatonia is a syndrome of motor dysregulation found in as many as 10% of acutely ill psychiatric in-patients. Treatments are well defined and catatonia has an excellent prognosis when they are used. Two leading neuropsychiatrists describe the features of catatonia; teach the reader how to identify and treat the syndrome successfully; and describe its neurobiology. Patient case histories from the authors' clinical practices, as well as from classical literature, illustrate the principles of diagnosing and treating patients.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 276 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (November 23, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521032369
• ISBN-13: 978-0521032360
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #280,736 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Practical, informative, helpful, December 14, 2007

By	Health Conscious "George" (Manalapan, NJ United States) - See all my reviews

Have not read the entire book, but found and perused excellent selected preview content (significant sections, on another website). Expect to order this book soon.

I am not a physician, clinician, nor mental health professional.

However, due to dire circumstances, I needed good sound practical information about the illness, precipitating factors, metabolic issues, differential diagnosis, neurological and neurochemical aspects.

Found more here than I expected.

It gave me perspective, understanding, and more hope; there is a history of the syndrome in medicine and psychiatry, clinical tables of causes, tests, and treatments, case histories.

While a complex medical condition that is not well understood, there are good treatment options.

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential reading for pesychiatrists and neurologists, June 30, 2009

By	Robert Levine "coffee lover" (New Rochelle, NY) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Max Fink has written a comprehensive and important review of a much ignored subject. He challenges the prevailing psychiatric diagnostic system and offers a fresh insight into a syndrome which is frequently misdiagnosed. Not only is this book of immense theoretical interest, it has the potential to reduce suffering and save lives.Catatonia: From Psychopathology to Neurobiology

5.0 out of 5 stars Catatonia is underappreciated, August 26, 2008

By	Hubert SteelerFan (Pittsburgh PA) - See all my reviews

The book is well written, with many case histories scattered throughout to round off the theoretical parts. Comprehensive enough not to miss out on major points yet not too broad-stroked to get lost in theory. Should be very useful for clinical practice. Max Fink delivered a small masterpiece with this one by pairing up-to-date science with rather classical, european-inspired clinical writing.

DSM criteria do not provide good diagnostic guidelines for catatonia and thus, perhaps, we are missing out on too many cases. A must read for the mental health professional.