Most of the 14 chapters in this book each cover a single mental health issue commonly seen in primary care practice. Each chapter contains epidemiologic and statistical information, case histories, recommended initial assessment, therapeutic options, and recommendations for referral. Guidelines for patients and caregivers are given, as well as a list of references for the lay person and physician. Guidelines for talking to patients, who may be reluctant to accept a psychiatric diagnosis, are provided. The chapters on substance abuse, insomnia, and somatization are particularly useful.
Most chapters are sufficiently brief to act as a good reference tool for the busy clinician.
Mental health disorders associated with menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause are discussed in a single chapter. The scope of psychiatric issues encountered in these life stages is too broad to be covered completely in one brief chapter. For the same reason, the chapter on care of elderly patients is also of limited usefulness. However, as a reference text, it is an excellent source of guidance for pharmacologic treatment, referral strategies, and in-office counseling for most of mental health issues that are likely to be encountered. Valerie P. Weil, MD, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.