Contemporary Directions in Psychopathology

This forward-thinking volume grapples with critical questions surrounding the mechanisms underlying mental disorders and the systems used for classifying them. Edited and written by leading international authorities, many of whom are actively involved with the development of DSM-V and ICD-11, the book integrates biological and psychosocial perspectives. It provides balanced analyses of such issues as the role of social context and culture in psychopathology and the pros and cons of categorical versus dimensional approaches to diagnosis. Cutting-edge diagnostic instruments and research methods are reviewed. Throughout, contributors highlight the implications of current theoretical and empirical advances for understanding real-world clinical problems and developing more effective treatments.

Theodore Millon, PhD, DSc, is Dean and Scientific Director of the Institute for Advanced Studies in Personology and Psychopathology. He was Founding Editor of the Journal of Personality Disorders and inaugural president of the International Society for the Study of Personality Disorders (ISSPD). Dr. Millon has held full professorial appointments at Harvard Medical School, the University of Illinois, and the University of Miami. A prolific author, he has written or edited more than 30 books on theory, assessment, and therapy, as well as more than 200 articles and book chapters. Dr. Millon is the recipient of the 2008 American Psychological Foundation Gold Medal for Life Achievement in the Application of Psychology.

Robert F. Krueger, PhD, is Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry at Washington University in St. Louis. His major research interests lie at the intersection of personality, psychopathology, psychometrics, and behavioral genetics. Dr. Krueger has received a number of awards, including the American Psychological Association’s Distinguished Scientific Award for Early Career Contribution and the American Psychological Foundation’s Theodore Millon Award for midcareer contributions to personality psychology.

Erik Simonsen, MD, is Director of Psychiatric Research in Region Zealand, Denmark; Director of the Institute of Personality Theory and Psychopathology; and Associate Research Professor at the University of Copenhagen. He has published widely on personality disorders, first-episode psychosis, personality assessment, outcome of psychotherapy, and psychiatric classification. Dr. Simonsen is past president of the ISSPD and a recipient of the ISSPD Award. He has also served as president of the Section on Personality Disorders of the World Psychiatric Association.