Widely recognized as the standard text for trainee psychiatrists, the Shorter Oxford Textbook of Psychiatry, Eighth Edition stands head and shoulders above the competition. The text has been honed over eight editions, displaying a fluency, authority, and insight rarely found in textbooks which makes the process of assimilating information effective and enjoyable. The book provides an introduction to all the clinical topics, sub-specialties, and major psychiatric conditions required by the trainee psychiatrist. Throughout, the authors emphasize the basic clinical skills required for full assessment and understanding of the patient. Discussion of treatment includes not only scientific evidence, but also practical problems in the management of patients in a family and social context. The eighth edition includes a number of changes including ICD-11 replacing ICD-10 as the basis of how psychiatric disorders are classified, a greater emphasis on psychiatry in broader settings (e.g. primary care, public health), and a new chapter on 'Public mental health and global mental health'. All chapters have been updated to incorporate new knowledge, perspectives, and treatments. Full attention to ethical and legal issues is given within the evidence-based approach to practice provided in the text. Introductory chapters focus on recognition of signs and symptoms, classification and diagnosis, psychiatric assessment, and aetiology. Further chapters deal with all the major psychiatric syndromes, as well as providing detailed coverage of pharmacological and psychological treatments. The book describes all the categories of mental disorders - how they are classified, recognized, diagnosed, and treated, and what is known of their causes. Separate chapters cover the main types of therapy, and how psychiatric services are provided. Though the focus is on the UK, a global perspective is provided throughout the book. Boasting greater use of summary boxes, tables, and lists within a modern design, the Shorter Oxford Textbook of Psychiatry, Eighth Edition remains the most up-to-date secondary level textbook of psychiatry available. The extensive bibliography has been brought up-to-date and there are targeted reading lists for each chapter.
