DSM-IV presents a challenging task for all clinicians. Just reviewing these diagnostic standards is time consuming and often confusing even to the most experienced practitioner, but learning the standards alone does not immediately translate into clinical application. This book helps professionals quickly learn how to apply the new criteria to patients. Every DSM-IV diagnosis is simplified and clearly interpreted, emphasizing what a clinician needs to know most when making a diagnosis. Case vignettes, extensive evaluations, and the author's informed commentary combine to enable mental health practitioners to readily incorporate DSM-IV into practice. Designed to take the reader step-by-step through the diagnostic process for every DSM-IV category, the author clearly explains how to derive a complete, five-axis diagnosis. Each set of criteria is discussed in detail, illustrated by a vivid clinical vignette and interpreted in lucid terms. With this logical organization, the book provides a full course in diagnostic thinking, presented by a master clinician who has evaluated and treated over 15,000 patients. Copyright (C) Muze Inc. 2005. For personal use only. All rights reserved.