How Dysfunctional Families Spur Mental Disorders: A Balanced Approach to Resolve Problems and Reconcile Relationships

(Hardback)

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Description

The book examines various scientific, economic, and cultural forces that have affected the mental health field's viewpointand that of society in generalregarding the genesis of some behavioral disorders, and how dysfunctional family dynamics play an often overlooked role. Millions of Americans have psychological issues or are affected by those of their family members, ranging from anxiety and bipolar disorder to mood and personality disorders. The growth of Big Pharma, combined with an increasing desire of managed care providers to find simple and "quick fixes," has resulted in an often myopic focus on biological causes of dysfunctional symptoms. There is plenty of evidence to indicate that this propensity to only prescribe pills is often deeply misguided, however. This book examines the role of dysfunctional family interactions in the genesis and maintenance of certain behavioral problems. The author presents a case for regaining a balance in terms of the biological, psychological, and family-system factors in psychiatric disorders and suggests a way to accomplish this.

Reviews

This thought-provoking book is a worthwhile contribution to the mental health fieldTaking a strongly educative approach, Allen demonstrates caring and concern for readers as he leads them toward becoming more informed and discerning consumers and supporters of quality mental health care. * Choice *
It pulls the curtain back from the world of psychotherapy, psychopharmacology, and more. It is an informative and entertaining collection of the many facets of the field. I know that from time to time, I will be pulling this book back off the shelf to peruse a favorite chapter or two. * PsycCRITIQUES *
supplies the reader with an in depth understanding of various dysfunctional family configurationsa great reference tool to add to your library. * The Clinical Practitioner *

Author Bio

David M. Allen, MD, is professor of psychiatry and former director of psychiatric residency training at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, TN.