Overview
A concise reference text designed for use by trainee psychiatrists. This book presents basic information to orient students new to the subject. The book is designed to be used in conjunction with a course of lectures in psychology and human development. The book is most useful as a revision tool, so that areas on which the student may be unclear can be accessed quickly. The book takes the format of short paragraphs covering specific topics and lists of key points where appropriate. This fully revised second edition includes single question items following each section with the answers are provided. Further reading is suggested. Key Features:
• Clear synopsis following each section
• Questions, and answers, for the material covered in each section
• Follows the structure of the MRCPsych Part 1 syllabus
• Contains over 20% new material
The book contains no figures.
Editorials
From The Critics
Reviewer: Michael Joel Schrift, D.O., M.A.(University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine)Description: This is a review book for British trainee psychiatrists studying for part 1 of the MRCPsych examination (which is roughly equivalent to the written examination given by the ABPN). The book provides an excellent comprehensive introduction to psychology, written by an expert in the field.
Purpose: The purpose is to address a problem that exists both in the U.K. and U.S.: the majority of trainees have little or no previous knowledge of psychology. The author points out that the textbooks of undergraduate psychology are not adequate for psychiatric trainees. In this book, the author has successfully produced an exceptional review of introductory psychology for psychiatric trainees.
Audience: The intended audience is trainees in psychiatry in the U.K., but it would also be useful for trainees in the U.S., as well as trainees in physician assistant programs, in social work, and in nursing.
Features: The book's 198 pages are divided into two sections and five chapters. The first section covers topics in basic psychology including processes such as learning memory, thought, and motivation. Social psychological topics such as attitude, aggression, altruism, and leadership are also covered. In the neuropsychology section, brain organization is reviewed. There is also a chapter on psychological assessment. The second section reviews the theories of human development. Each section ends with a set of questions and answers. There are helpful suggested reading lists for each chapter and a bibliography. The book ends with a useful index section.
Assessment: This is an excellent review of the basics in psychology. I highly recommend it to trainees in psychiatry.