Psychodynamic Diagnostic Manual:

by Alliance of Psychoanalytic Organizations, American Psychoanalytic Association

This manual is based on current neuroscience and treatment outcome studies that demonstrate the importance of focusing on the full range and depth of emotional and social functioning. Beginning with a classification of the spectrum of personality patterns and disorders found in individuals and then describing a profile of mental functioning that permits a clinician to look in detail at each of the patient's capacities, the entries include a description of the patient's symptoms with a focus on the patient's internal experiences as well as surface behaviors. Intended to expand on the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders)and ICD (International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems) efforts in cataloging the symptoms and behaviors of mental health patients, this manual opens the door to a fuller understanding of the functioning of the mind, brain, and their development.

Genres: Psychology, Psychoanalysis, Mental Health, Reference, Psychiatry

855 pages, Paperback

First published May 28, 2006

Reviews

[Carrie Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I find this diagnostic manual to be reductionistic just like I find the DSM to be reductionistic. It also is more of an Ego Psychology manual and speaks from that paradigm when discussing diagnosis, which leaves the rest of the Psychodynamic community and their thoughts and contributions out. It's only slightly better than the DSM and it does nothing but give a small bit of lip service to diversity and multiculturalism and the impact that would have on how one looks at their clients. I understand that Nancy McWilliams not only contributed to the development of the PDM but is also working to promote it and I respect her a great deal and enjoy her writtings, but I'm surprised at her promoting such a reductionistic tool aimed at a categorical understanding of humanity.

[Scottk · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most accessible psychodynamic reference manual currently in print. It provides the historical context of the most commonly seen diagnosis, confronts the shortcomings of the EVT movement, and promotes a conceptual framework that is sympathetic to the concept of overdetermination. My copy is already well worn.

[Jonathan Ridenour · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great complement to the DSM-IV, not just for psychoanalytic/dynamic oriented therapists.

[Pamela Albin]

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