East Asian Arch Psychiatry 2015;25:42
Book Review
Author: Lynne M Drummond
The Royal College of Psychiatrists
USD 52; pp304; ISBN: 978-1909726277
“CBT for Adults: A Practical Guide for Clinicians” provides readers with valuable information about the pragmatic therapeutic interventions and techniques that are particularly important in clinical practice, as well as the theoretical basis of cognitive and behavioural therapy (CBT).
This user-friendly book utilises illustrative figures and diagrams, and incorporates thought-provoking case studies to facilitate an understanding of the key theoretical components of CBT. For example, the diagrams of case formulation for a variety of case studies are numerous. To further help the clinician remember the key concepts of CBT, mnemonics are introduced: “ABC” denotes “antecedents, behaviors and beliefs, and consequence” and “affect, behaviors and cognition”; “BASIC ID” represents the major headings of history taking, including “behavior, affect, sensation, imageries, cognition, interpersonal relationship, and drugs”.
This comprehensive book covers a wide range of psychiatric conditions, in which CBT may play a role, from phobia, generalised anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and depression, to social and sexual skills training, eating disorders, psychosis, addictions, and personality disorders. Management of behavioural problems, for instance, psychogenic incontinence and illegal sexual practices, as well as habitual problems, for example, facial tics and throat clearing, are covered with introduction of the techniques of mass practice and habitual reversal. All schools of CBT are incorporated including behavioural, cognitive, schema-focused, and third-generation therapies, with an emphasis on the evidence base for the therapies introduced. There is an abundance of inspiring case studies, illustrated with the essential elements of clinical assessment, and subsequent individualised approach to treatment.
The book presents pragmatic tips that benefit anyone learning CBT. For instance, it provides examples of psycho- education, tailor-made to the cases presented. There are also case studies that demonstrate the use of inappropriate techniques, leading to failure of treatment, followed by detailed discussion of the key issues leading to defeat and the change in therapeutic direction that was required to succeed.
I especially appreciated the easy-to-follow format of the book. Each chapter begins with an overview, and ends with reiteration of the key learning points. It interchangeably utilises point form and paragraphs, with lots of tables, boxes, and figures. The content is also very systematic. All in all, this book is a comprehensive and user-friendly guide for the busy clinician.
William Wai-Wai Wong, MBBS
(email: williamwong1989@hotmail.com) Department of Psychiatry
Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital
Chai Wan, Hong Kong SAR China