Conversion Disorder

Conversion disorder—a psychiatric term that names the enigmatic transformation of psychic energy into bodily manifestations—offers a way to rethink the present. With so many people suffering from unexplained bodily symptoms; with so many seeking recourse to pharmacological treatments or bodily modification; with young men and women seemingly willing to direct violence toward anybody, including themselves—a radical disordering in culture insists on the level of the body. Part memoir, part clinical case, part theoretical investigation, this book searches for the body. Is it a psychopathological entity; a crossroads for the cultural, political, and biological in the form of care; or the foundation of psychoanalytic work on the question of sexuality? Jamieson Webster traces conversion’s shifting meanings—in religious, economic, and even chemical processes—revisiting the work of thinkers as diverse as Benjamin, Foucault, Agamben, and Lacan. She provides an intimate account of her own conversion from patient to psychoanalyst, as well as her continuing struggle to apprehend the complexities of the patient’s body. When listening to dreams, symptoms, worries, or sexual impasses, the body becomes a defining trope that belies a vulnerable and urgent wish for transformation. Conversion Disorder names what is singular about the entanglement of the fractured body and the social world in order to imagine what kind of cure is possible.

Aminoff's Neurology and General Medicine is the standard and classic reference providing comprehensive coverage of the relationship between neurologic practice and general medicine. As neurologists are asked to consult on general medical conditions, this reference provides an authoritative tool linking general medical conditions to specific neurologic issues and disorders. This is also a valuable tool for the general practitioner seeking to understand the neurologic aspects of their medical practice. Completely revised with new chapters covering metastatic disease, bladder disease, psychogenic disorders, dementia, and pre-operative and post-operative care of patients with neurologic disorders, this new edition will again be the go-to reference for both neurologists and general practitioners. The standard authoritative reference detailing the relationship between neurology and general medicine 100% revised and updated with several new chapters Well illustrated, with most illustrations in full color

Functional Neurologic Disorders, the latest volume in the Handbook of Clinical Neurology series, summarizes state-of-the-art research findings and clinical practice on this class of disorders at the interface between neurology and psychiatry. This 51-chapter volume offers an historical introduction, chapters on epidemiology and pathophysiolology, a large section on the clinical features of different type of functional neurologic symptoms and disorders (including functional movement disorders, non-epileptic seizures, dizziness, vision, hearing, speech and cognitive symptoms), and then concluding with approaches to therapy. This group of internationally acclaimed experts in neurology, psychiatry, and neuroscience represent a broad spectrum of areas of expertise, chosen for their ability to write clearly and concisely with an eye toward a clinical audience. This HCN volume sets a new landmark standard for a comprehensive, multi-authored work dealing with functional neurologic disorders (also described as psychogenic, dissociative or conversion disorders). Offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach for the care of patients with functional disorders seen in neurologic practice, leading to more efficient prevention, management, and treatment Provides a synthesis of research efforts incorporating clinical, brain imaging and neurophysiological studies Fills an existing gap between traditional neurology and traditional psychiatry Contents include coverage of history, epidemiology, clinical presentations, and therapy Edited work with chapters authored by leaders in the field, the broadest, most expert coverage available

Ideal for any student or health care professional who needs an authoritative text that is sharply focused on clinical psychiatry, this book contains the most relevant clinical material from the bestselling "Kaplan and Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry, 10th Edition" and includes updated information on recently introduced psychiatric drugs.

This groundbreaking volume is the first text devoted to psychogenic movement disorders. Co-published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins and the American Academy of Neurology, the book contains the highlights of an international, multidisciplinary conference on these disorders and features contributions from leading neurologists, psychiatrists, psychologists, physiatrists, and basic scientists. Major sections discuss the phenomenology of psychogenic movement disorders from both the neurologist's and the psychiatrist's viewpoint. Subsequent sections examine recent findings on pathophysiology and describe current diagnostic techniques and therapies. Also included are abstracts of 16 seminal free communications presented at the conference.

Its previous edition hailed as "the best reference for the majority of practicing psychiatrists" (Doody's Book Reviews) and a book that "more than any other, provides an approach to how to think about psychiatry that integrates both the biological and psychological" (JAMA), The American Psychiatric Publishing Textbook of Psychiatry has been meticulously revised to maintain this preeminence as an accessible and authoritative educational reference and clinical compendium. It combines the strengths of its three editors -- Robert Hales in clinical and community psychiatry, Stuart Yudofsky in neuropsychiatry, and new co-editor Glen Gabbard in psychotherapy -- in recruiting outstanding authors to summarize the latest developments in psychiatry and features 101 contributors, 65 of whom are new to this edition. The book boasts a new interior design, with more figures and color throughout to aid comprehension. Each chapter ends with 5-10 key points, 5-10 recommended readings, and helpful Web sites not only for the clinician but also for patients and family members. The book also includes complimentary access to the full text online. Online benefits include powerful searching, electronic bookmarking, and access by username and password from wherever you have Web access -- especially convenient for times when the print copy of your textbook is not where you are. The online version is accompanied by a downloadable PowerPoint presentation, which contains a wealth of material to enhance classroom presentation, study, and clinical use. Among the improvements to this edition's content: • Of the text's 44 chapters, 23 either feature new topics or have new authors, making this the most completely revised edition yet.• New basic-science chapters on cellular and molecular biology of the neuron and on neuroanatomy for the psychiatrist conveniently distill essential information on the biological foundations of psychiatric disorders for clinicians.• A new chapter on human sexuality and sexual dysfunctions, and another new chapter on treatment of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender patients, equips clinicians to address the entire spectrum of sexual issues and their attendant mental health concerns.• New chapters on nonpharmacological somatic treatments, supportive psychotherapy, and combination psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy augment the section on psychiatric treatments.• A new chapter on the assessment of dangerousness -- an individual's propensity to commit violent acts -- presents helpful guidelines for appropriately evaluating and minimizing the risk of violence in both outpatient and inpatient settings. Why The American Psychiatric Publishing Textbook of Psychiatry will be your first choice among comprehensive psychiatry textbooks: • Complimentary Access to the Full Text Online -- Online benefits include powerful searching, electronic bookmarking, and download to PDA.• PowerPoint Presentation -- Online version is accompanied by a downloadable PowerPoint presentation, which contains a wealth of material to help you enhance classroom presentation, study, and in clinical use. • Self-Assessment -- An interactive online Self-Assessment allows you to assess your knowledge of each chapter, with links back to the textbook when more study is needed.• Summary Points -- Each chapter ends with 5-10 key points, 5-10 recommended readings, and helpful web sites not only for the clinician but also for referral to patients and family members. • Co-Editor Glen O. Gabbard, M.D. -- As the third Co-Editor, Dr. Gabbard adds depth and perspective to psychotherapeutic approaches.• Chapter Authors -- Partnership of senior and junior faculty brings fresh insights tempered by wisdom and experience.• Peer-Reviewed -- Rigorously peer reviewed and updated to reflect the rapidly changing profession. • Disclosure of Interest Statements -- Disclosure from each chapter author assures you that potential biases have been removed.• Comprehensive But Concise -- Inclusion of essential information eases information overload.• Better Layout -- Larger type for text makes book easier to read and color figures are provided throughout the text. It's no wonder that this text has established itself as both a leading scholarly reference and an indispensable clinical resource. The American Psychiatric Publishing Textbook of Psychiatry is a proven teaching tool and an essential component of every practitioner's library.

From its peculiar birth in Freud’s self-analysis to its current state of deep crisis, psychoanalysis has always been a practice that questions its own existence. Like the patients that risk themselves in this act - it is somehow upon this threatened ground that the very life of psychoanalysis depends. Perhaps psychoanalysis must always remain in a precarious, indeed ghostly, position at the limit of life and death?

The updated edition of this classic book provides the busy clinician, psychiatric resident and medical student with the most up-to-date information on etiology, diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric disorders. The reader is provided with contemporary information and literature supported by a close survey of the field. Several new chapters dealing with new concepts in biology and treatment of mental disorders have been added to complete this expanded edition.