The concept of mental health has changed a great deal. Current research demonstrates the intricate relationship of the mind and the body. Biochemical imbalances play significant roles in schizophrenia and various mood disorders. Ordinary activities such as commuting and using a computer affect behavior. This scholarly encyclopedia examines mental health using an interdisciplinary approach, taking into account "new knowledge about the genetic, biological, social, societal, and cultural nature of human beings."
The encyclopedia editors and contributors are academics who are acknowledged experts in their fields. Their names and affiliations appear at the beginning of each article. Most of the material here is new, but some entries are reprinted from The Encyclopedia of Human Behavior (Academic, 1994), which is noted at the end of the articles. The three volumes contain alphabetically arranged articles that are 10 to 20 pages long. Each article begins with an outline and a glossary defining terms as they are used specifically within the text. All articles have bibliographies, primarily citing scholarly and professional publications. Each volume contains the table of contents for the entire set and instructions for using the encyclopedia. There is a detailed index in volume 3. Using the index ensures finding all relevant material on a given subject area since the articles cover broad areas. Cross-references also direct users to related material.
The articles cover a wide range of subjects. As one would expect, there are entries for various disorders and therapies: Alzheimer's disease, behavior therapy, mood disorders, to name a few. Other entries examine traits such as charisma and shyness or discuss problems associated with substances like alcohol and caffeine. Numerous articles focus on the mental health aspects of stressful situations--bereavement, chronic illness, commuting. Neurology is treated in articles such as brain scanning/neuroscanning. In his preface, the editor states that particular attention has also been paid to "the family and developmental context for mental health and impairment," evident in articles like family therapy, child sexual abuse, and divorce.
This is a fine encyclopedia with a great deal of excellent information on subjects of interest to both professional and educated lay readers. Academic, health science, and large public libraries will find it very useful.
Review
"This comprehensive set 'encompasses all levels of analysis, from the molecular and biological, through the social and family, to the cultural.' Intended for students, practicing clinicians, and research professionals, these articles also prove accessible and useful for lay readers. The excellent survey essays cover such timely topics as Alzheimer's disease, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, HIV/AIDS, and suicide. Alphabetically arranged, signed articles range from ten to 20 pages, with a topic outline, a glossary, cross references, and a bibliography. This is an essential purchase for most health science, academic, and large public libraries."
--LIBRARY JOURNAL, BEST REFERENCE SOURCES 1998
"The articles cover a wide range of subjects. As one would expect, there are entries for various disorders and therapies: Alzheimer's disease, behavior therapy, mood disorders, to name a few. Other entries examine traits such as charisma and shyness or discuss problems associated with substances like alcohol and caffeine. Numerous articles focus on the mental health aspects of stressful situations--bereavement, chronic illness, commuting. Neurology is treated in articles such as brain scanning/neuroscanning. In his preface, the editor states that particular attention has also been paid to 'the family and developmental context for mental health and impairment,' evident in articles like family therapy, child sexual abuse, and divorce. This is a fine encyclopedia with a great deal of excellent information on subjects of interest to both professional and educated lay readers. Academic, health science, and large public libraries will find it very useful."
--BOOKLIST
"Friedman's attractive reference work recommends promoting mental
health rather than concentrating only on pathology... The articles are excellent resources... Recommended for college students or anyone interested in reading about current theories dealing with mental health."
--CHOICE
"This excellent source of 3 volumes includes articles covering major disciplines in the study of mental health, common topics of research by professionals, and areas of public interest and concern... from the molecular and biological, through the social and family, to the cultural."
--Resources in Psychology: A Subject Guide
"Professionals and libraries will find this timely work indispensable."
--LIBRARIAN'S QUARTERLY
"...I found the
Encyclopedia of Mental Health a very useful resource. Its broad scope and interdisciplinary focus was very appealing, especially since many of the professionals working in mental health range from anthropologists to social workers. I would recommend this as an essential resource for collections needing a comprehensive, readable guide to mental health and its myriad issues."
--MEDICAL REFERENCE SERVICES QUARTERLY
"...It emphasizes health by looking at ways to promote wellness and prevent mental illness... This is...a fine encyclopedia with a great deal of excellent information on subjects of interest to both professional and educated lay readers. Academic, health science, and large public libraries will find it useful."
--AMERICAN REFERENCE BOOKS ANNUAL
