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Psychodynamic Psychiatry in Clinical Practice

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This new edition of the classic psychodynamic psychiatry text, Psychodynamic Psychiatry in Clinical Practice, continues its tradition as the most readable, scholarly, and practical introduction to psychodynamic theory and practice available. Kept within arm's reach of all mental health professionals, this invaluable "one-stop" reference will prepare you to teach students and treat patients more effectively with its truly integrative psychodynamic approach.

The author has meticulously updated every chapter of the previous edition, adding new illustrative case examples and discussing the most recent research findings and concepts in psychodynamic psychiatry. It introduces the basic principles of psychodynamic psychiatry and the four fundamental theoretical frameworks derived from psychoanalytic theory: ego psychology, object relations theory, self psychology, and attachment theory. Drawing on the latest breakthroughs in neuroscience to validate the latest psychodynamic thinking, the author includes neuroanatomical illustrations that highlight the need to integrate psychoanalytic theories of development with brain development and the impact of environment on gene expression.

The eminently practical Psychodynamic Psychiatry in Clinical Practice is organized into three distinct sections based on DSM-IV diagnoses: - Section I, Basic Principles and Treatment Approaches in Dynamic Psychiatry, begins by laying a foundation in psychoanalytic theory. It focuses on how to apply psychoanalytic theory to specific types of evaluation and treatment, including psychodynamic assessment, brief therapy, individual and group psychotherapy, family and marital therapy, pharmacotherapy, and hospital/partial hospital treatment.- Section II, Dynamic Approaches to Axis I Disorders, covers the major psychiatric disorders and discusses how to apply psychodynamic understanding to the treatment of patients with these disorders.- Section III, Dynamic Approaches to Axis II Disorders, provides a psychodynamic understanding of personality disorders and covers in detail the principles of psychodynamic psychotherapy for these conditions.

The fourth edition of Psychodynamic Psychiatry in Clinical Practice details the theory of psychodynamic psychotherapy and the adaptation of psychodynamic thinking to specific disorders. As such, it is an ideal companion to Dr. Gabbard's Long-Term Psychodynamic Psychotherapy: A Basic Text, which details the techniques of dynamic psychotherapy.

The bestselling Psychodynamic Psychiatry in Clinical Practice is the definitive reference for training programs of all kinds at all levels. This new edition provides a clear synthesis of diagnostic understanding and treatment unmatched in the literature. Marked by Dr. Gabbard's distinctly lucid and compelling prose, it is the ultimate psychiatric guide for the busy clinician and mental health student.

629 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1990

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About the author

Glen O. Gabbard

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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
596 reviews10 followers
October 24, 2014
This book is a tough read, starting with a dense synopsis of psychodynamic thought, then barrelling through most major psychiatric diagnoses with attention to dynamic understanding of them. It is extensively researched, with most references being recent research, but sometimes the flood of data interfered with understanding that particular studied disease. That said, the introductory chapters on theory are a wealth of information for new students, and the chapters on Cluster B personalities gave dozens of useful techniques.
Profile Image for Patricia.
155 reviews36 followers
December 27, 2012
Spectacularly written and very easy to understand. I kind of had to read this book to prepare for an exam, so I won't say I enjoyed the experience of reading and learning it, but it definitely made the experience bareable and the style in which it's written is amiable for psychology students. I love the fact that there are case examples and that the medical jargon is easy to understand.
I really recommend this.
Profile Image for Kieran Forster.
98 reviews4 followers
December 30, 2023
When people show a real interest in the subject of psychiatry, this is the book I recommend. It was the main book we all used in training in the early 2000s. Its analysis of cluster B personality disorders is brilliant and clear. If you want to understand the intellectual landscape your psychiatrist or psychologist comes from, this is the comprehensive book for that. If you want to understand borderline, narcissistic and antisocial personality dynamics, this is the book. Glenn Gabbard is a caring psychiatrist that has guided the profession for years. In the era of mental disorder, it’s good to have a reference book like this. This is the framework of mainstream psychiatry…..everyone is still unique and deserves to be assessed appropriately. Reading this book doesn’t justify anyone throwing around labels. It’s just a great summary of the general framework.
144 reviews
April 9, 2023
First year of uni, I had to buy this book and read it. Thank god I did it, I use it again well written, interesting, easy to read and understand even if its kinda a clinical/scientific manuel
Profile Image for Andrea.
6 reviews1 follower
May 22, 2019
Nonostante sia un testo di psichiatria psicodinamica, e quindi influenzato da un'inevitabile matrice psicoanalitica, che porta con se tutti i difetti e le critiche di un modello che per molti psichiatri, psicologi e neuroscienziati risulta anacronistico e obsoleto, il testo di Gabbard possiede numerosi lati positivi che lo rendono, a conti fatti, caldamente consigliato anche per i clinici "non psicoanalitici" e per la preparazione dell'esame di stato.

La chiarezza dell'autore, l'integrazione con le teorie cognitive, neuroscientifiche e psico-farmacologiche, il confronto con la psicopatologia descrittiva e un buon numero di esempi clinici e di consigli pratici lo rendono davvero utile e prezioso per ogni tipo di psicologo clinico, a prescindere dall'orientamento.
Profile Image for Luca Scoca.
40 reviews1 follower
February 1, 2024
Clearly, I had to read the book for a university exam, but the reading was, in its own way, enjoyable—not complex and enriching. The combination of the descriptive approach of the DSM and the psychodynamic explanation holds up well and is essential for anyone who wants to go beyond mere external observation of symptoms. The inclusion of illustrative clinical cases is excellent. The section on psychodynamic theories is a bit brief, but it is understandable given the volume of the text.
Profile Image for mtognets.
21 reviews
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August 12, 2025
Disamina difficile e profonda che connette sapere psicoanalitico e DSM5. Spesso non sappiamo davvero nulla di noi stessi, dei nostri comportamenti e motivazioni. Sarebbe più corretto dire "Non lo conosco come il palmo della mia mano".
Profile Image for Boris Tizenberg.
182 reviews6 followers
July 6, 2023
A great introductory text to psychodynamic thought. The author .

The book does feel opinionated at times. The author also spends a lot of time citing biological evidence to help support the validity of psychodynamic theory, but I wonder if he's "preaching to the choir" given the likely readers who seek out this book.
Profile Image for Catherine Woodman.
5,921 reviews118 followers
July 29, 2011
this is the best book on dynamic therapy that is tied to the DSM system. Gabbard is a clear writer
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews

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