The History of Mental Symptoms: Descriptive Psychopathology since the Nineteenth Century - Brossura

Berrios, German E.

Brossura

ISBN 10: 0521437369 ISBN 13: 9780521437363

Casa editrice: Cambridge University Press, 2008

Riassunto

Since psychiatry remains a descriptive discipline, it is essential for its practitioners to understand how the language of psychiatry came to be formed. This important book, written by a psychiatrist-historian, traces the genesis of the descriptive categories of psychopathology and examines their interaction with the psychological and philosophical context within which they arose. The author explores particularly the language and ideas that have characterised descriptive psychopathology from the mid-nineteenth century to the present day. He presents a masterful survey of the history of the main psychiatric symptoms, from the metaphysics of classical antiquity to the operational criteria of today. Tracing the evolution of concepts such as memory, consciousness, will and personality, and of symptoms ranging from catalepsy and aboulia to anxiety and self-harm, this book provides fascinating insights into the subjective nature of mental illness, and into the ideas of British, Continental and American authorities who sought to clarify and define it.

Su questo libro

Recensione:

'This is a scholarly work with detailed descriptions giving plenty of clinical interest to illustrate the history. Psychiatrists will find it offers fresh insights into their clinical practice while historians will welcome the careful exploration of the subject.' Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine

'... a compendium to which future historians will sing hymns of praise and gratitude.' Oxford Academic Journals

'... novel in scope ... it is also a book of impressive scholarship.' The Times Higher Education Supplement

'This scholarly treatise chronicles the history of the main mental symptoms based on French, German, Italian and British primary sources.' Aslib Book Guide

'In my opinion this book is the most remarkable event in the field of the history of psychiatry since the publication of Michael Foucault's Madness and Civilisation ... At times one feels one is reading a strikingly original textbook of psychopathology disguised as a history.' Andrew Hodgkiss, Brain

'Berrios ... has put us deeply in his debt with a remarkable account of the mappings of the mind through a study that transcends the private technicalities of psychiatry to shed light on the changing representations of the Western psyche itself.' Roy Porter, Nature

'... an absorbing book on a fascinating subject. One can either read on a particular concept or symptom that one is interested in (e.g. delusions, hallucinations), or read the whole book as a worthwhile endeavour in self-education. I expect that many who open the pages of this volume for the former, will end up doing the latter.' Sonia Gatzanis, Behaviour Research and Therapy

'His descriptions are both enriching and useful ... The book is scholarly and mostly easy to use ... the book is likely to become a classic and run into many editions.' Ann Dally, History of Psychiatry

'... novel in scope ... it is also a book of impressive scholarship ... highly illuminating.' The Times Higher Education Supplement

'... a useful reference book which enables the reader to readily review the historical development of concepts and phenomena commonly used in every clinical practice and research. The result is a rewarding and considerably enriching experience.' Hugh Middleton, Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry

Descrizione del libro:

This book deals with the history of the main symptoms of mental illness. It shows how these were recognised and/or constructed during the nineteenth century, and suggests that knowledge of this historical process is important to current research in psychiatry.

Su questa edizione

• Editore: Cambridge University Press
• Data di pubblicazione: 2008
• ISBN 10: 0521437369
• ISBN 13: 9780521437363
• Rilegatura: Copertina flessibile
• Numero di pagine: 584