Although the long-term patterns of problem-behaviour that form personality disorders are part of the major classifications of disease, they have a generally unrecognized importance in clinical practice. These disorders are the origins of many medical consultations and social ills, perhaps associated with self-harm, suicide, neglect of children, criminality, alcohol and drug abuse, HIV transmission and 'accidents'. In a comprehensive summary and evaluation of the clinical literature, this book seeks to dispel the myth that personality disorder is simply a category for those problem individuals for whom nothing can be done. With detailed coverage of recognition, assessment and management, Drs Dowson and Grounds provide a co-ordinated empirically-based account of those aspects of personality disorders which are of relevance to psychiatrists and allied disciplines, including clinical psychologists, social workers, criminologists, specialist nurses and primary care physicians. It describes how many individuals with personality disorders can be helped by health care services.
