Amazon.com Book Description (ISBN 0321018303, Paperback)

This book has been providing an introduction to abnormal psychology since 1948 and remains the most authoritative survey of abnormal psychology, known for its comprehensiveness, balance of theory and practice, strong research base, and clinical sensitivity. Well-known authors Bob Carson and Jim Butcher have been authoring this book since the 6th edition in 1980 and renowned researcher Sue Mineka came onboard with the 10th edition in 1996. The focus of the 11th edition has been to retain the authoritative overview of contemporary and classic research within a more accessible framework. Features supporting this aim include Updated Research, Integrated Multicultural and Cross-Cultural Research, Accessible Organization, Highlight sections, Unresolved Issues sections, and Case Studies. The organization of Abnormal Psychology and Modern Life has to a large extent set the standard for the study of abnormal psychology. Part 1, Perspectives on Abnormal Behavior, establishes a context for understanding abnormal behavior described in later chapters. Discussions of classification and scientific research are found in Chapter 1, an historical overview of abnormal psychology in Chapter 2, and discussion of causal factors and viewpoints in Chapter 3. Throughout these chapters the reader is made aware of the diversity of the field and the interaction of biological, psychosocial, and sociocultural factors in understanding the causes of different disorders. Part 2, Patterns of Abnormal Behavior, provides the clinical overviews, causal factors, and treatments and outcomes of abnormal behavior examined for each category of disorder including stress and adjustment disorders, panic and anxiety-based disorders, mood disorders and suicide, somatoform and dissociative disorders, eating disorders, personality disorders, substance related disorders, sexual variants, abuse, and, schizophrenic and delusional disorders, brain disorders and other cognitive impairments, and disorders of childhood and adolescence. Part 3 is a more comprehensive look at the clinical assessment, treatment, and prevention of disorders, with a focus on contemporary social issues. For every reader interested in the varied social disorders of abnormal psychology.