Customer Reviews

Case Studies in Abnormal Behavior

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This is an excellent collection of case studies that illustrate the various classes of mental disorders. It is a useful addition to courses on psychopathology. Although most abnormal psychology texts have a few case studies, it is helpful to have even more examples.

The book includes several case studies for each class of mental disorder, as well as descriptions of the common features of each class. It discusses differential diagnosis and treatment options for each class of disorder, although sometimes these discussions (particularly regarding treatment options) are not as thorough as one could hope. However, given that the purpose is to serve as a secondary text, it is more than adequate.

One feature of the book can be a strength or a weakness, depending on your point of view. The author includes many case studies of famous people (e.g., Karen Carpenter for anorexia). This can be considered a strength, as it is likely to engage people in learning the material. It is also a weakness, primarily because these figures typically have much more severe forms of the disorder than most people are likely to encounter in clinical practice (most people with paraphilias are not like Jeffrey Dahmer). These examples are useful for learning about the core features of a disorder, but less useful for depicting the typical presentation in a clinical context. Even given this limitation, I highly recommend this book for anyone who is taking an advanced undergraduate course in psychopathology.

As one consider these case studies, I question the appropriateness of many of these case studies of public figures for various disorders. I don't know that the authors have had direct interviews with these individuals; hence, their information is mostly from secondary sources. If they did have direct interview information, it would be limited for release for public view from the usual confidentiality of provider-patient relationship, and could only be released with personal release by the patient. I think it would be ethical for the authors to be frank about the source of their information, and differentiate between primary source information, and secondary sources, which may contain biased or slanted views.

Book received in good order and as described. It was received in a timely manner and i would definitely purchase from this vendor in the future.

Book came in great condition and on time. And the price was right. Good use of case studies. If you are studying Under Grad Abnormal Psych, this book would be an assett

Very interesting book to read, perhaps a bit light for my class but actually good for an "advanced amateur" in psychology.

Dr. Meyer's Case Studies is a well-written and comprehensive view of mental disorders. It is a fine supplement to any abnormal, clinical or forensic psychology class. Disregard the previous reviewer's comments. It is obvious that his political views cloud his "scholarly" judgment.

This book is very useful for students and researchers in Psychology whether in the undergrads or doctorate degrees.

The textbook I ordered arrived in a fair amount of time and the condition was good. The only thing that surprised me was that in BIG BOLD letters across the front of the text it read EXAMINATION COPY. Either I missed this, or it was not stated in the description before I made my purchase. The book will serve my needs just fine, however I might not be able to re-sell it as easily.

Was hesitant to order books online as it is my first time, but after having success ordering this one and a few others, I'm all about saving money. Excellent delivery, great condition for a great price!

In the case studies for abnormal sexual behaviors, along with Ted Bundy and Jeffrey Dahmer, is listed that one of William Jefferson Clinton. If we consider the life of the former president an abnormal behavior instead of a political maneuvre to discredit a political opponent on an issue that it would be otherwise been accepted as a normal behavior from very many in the U.S. and abroad - many psychologists included - we teach a dangerous lesson and we set a dangerous standard. Such lesson would be very much welcomed by those people who exploit sexual personal issues to either state a twisted ethics (like Sen. Rick Santorum) or present a non-serious examination of sexual abnormal behavior, based on facts not always proved , like Mr. Meyer did in the case of Mr. Clinton.