Understanding Somatization in the Practice of Clinical Neuropsychology

by Greg J. Lamberty

Overview

Understanding Somatization in the Practice of Clinical Neuropsychology is written for neuropsychologists who wish to improve their ability to diagnose and treat, or recommend treatment for, patients with somatoform disorders. The author, a seasoned clinician, blends evidence-based recommendations with sound practical advice within a conceptual framework that helps neuropsychologists to understand and engage these challenging patients. A Continuing Education (CE) component administered by the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology is included, as is access to the authors workshop presentation materials. The book will be of interest to those who work with or wish to gain insight into somatizing patients - neuropsychologists, clinical psychologists, neurologists; post-doctoral fellows; graduate psychology students; and neuropsychologists who want to earn Continuing Education (CE) credit.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780190450052
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	12/19/2007
Series:	AACN Workshop Series
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	579 KB

Table of Contents

Introduction     xi
Continuing Education (CE) Credit     xiv
Author's Workshop Materials     xiv
A Concise History of Somatoform Symptoms and Disorders     3
Nosology of Somatoform Disorders     9
Epidemiology of Somatoform Disorders     11
Etiological Theories of Somatoform Disorder     21
Somatoform Disorders and Neuropsychological Assessment     47
Management of Somatoform Disorders     67
Working With Somatizing Patients in Neuropsychological Practice     81
References     105
Index     127
About the Author     131

Editorial Reviews

Reviewer: Christopher J Graver, PhD, ABPP-CN(Madigan Healthcare System)
Description: Patients with medically unexplained symptoms often end up with a neuropsychological referral to differentiate neurological involvement from the psychological manifestation of a somatoform disorder. This book provides information on the assessment and management of somatoform disorders.
Purpose: The intent is to provide clinicians with a conceptual understanding of somatoform disorders and the tools to effectively and empathically manage them.
Audience: Neuropsychologists are the immediately narrow target audience. Most probably clinicians outside this field, other than clinical psychologists, will find it of little professional value, unless there is a personal interest. The author is a leading authority in this field.
Features: A well written chapter describing the current problems with DSM-IV and ICD-10 nosology begins the book. Within current diagnostic frameworks, a number of epidemiological studies are described from various samples, including community, primary care, and neurological clinics. An exploration of the underpinnings of somatoform disorders has a careful review of different perspectives, such as biological, behavioral, psychoanalytic, and early attachment. A thoughtful section on cultural issues goes beyond the typical concerns with the validity of assessment instruments. The book covers general assessment concerns with somatoform disorder, but also includes information on specific medically unexplained syndromes. These are compared to various neurologically based syndromes that can look similar (e.g., multiple sclerosis or epilepsy) to alert clinicians to potential confounds. The approaches to managing and treating patients with somatoform disorders are varied, but include notable time discussing cognitive behavioral interventions. The final two case studies provide a juxtaposed view of patients within a range of presentations.
Assessment: This book maintains the high standard of the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology series and provides an enlightening study of the difficult challenge of somatoform disorders. Readers delving into the material will acquire an empathic understanding of these patients and gain valuable insights into their management, especially during post-evaluation follow-up.

Doody's Review Service

"Dr. Lamberty's primer is a well-written and concise overview of somatization that can serve to help the field of neuropsychology get 'up to speed' regarding this ubiquitous but poorly understood phenomenon."—Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology

"This book maintains the high standard of the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology series and provides an enlightening study of the difficult challenge of somatoform disorders. Readers delving into the material will acquire an empathic understanding of these patients and gain valuable insights into their management, especially during post-evaluation follow-up."—Doody's, a 5-star review!

"The author has been able to create a work of interest to clinicians looking to gain a new perspective on difficult to diagnose patients, yet, it is scholarly enough to highly recommend this volume to trainees seeking to further understand the relationship between brain and behavior. Since it seems unlikely that one would never encounter the influence of somatization in a clinical setting, this book would be of value to all practicing clinicians."—Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society

From the Publisher