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Mental Illness

Series: Key Concepts
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Mental Illness by Joan Busfield explores the complex and contested field of mental illness through a multidisciplinary lens, including psychiatry, psychology, sociology, genetics, and neurosciences. The book critically examines the evolving definitions and expanding boundaries of mental illness, arguing for a more restricted interpretation that distinguishes normal reactions to life's difficulties from genuine pathology. It addresses key topics such as the measurement of mental illness, its distribution in populations over time, and the variety of care approaches for those diagnosed.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$4299
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

Intended for practitioners and students in medicine, psychiatry, mental health nursing, social work, clinical and health psychology, as well as psychology, sociology, and health sciences students seeking a clear understanding of the multifaceted debates surrounding mental illness.

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* A concise and sophisticated introduction to the contested concept of Mental Illness . * Brings together a range of insights and interpretations from various disciplines including sociology, psychology, psychiatry and the neurosciences.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Mental Illness is a highly controversial and contested field, informed by the ideas and research of academics and practitioners working in psychiatry, psychology, pharmacology, sociology, genetics, and the neurosciences. This book brings clarity to a complex field, exploring core issues ranging from debates about the way the concept has been developed and expanded over time to controversies over the causes of mental illness.

The author evaluates critiques of the concept of mental illness and of the way its expanding boundaries now define a far wider range of mental states, experiences, and activities as pathological. Arguing that these boundaries need to be restricted, the author contends that many of the phenomena identified as mental illness are normal reactions to life's difficulties and that, while individuals may need support, it is not appropriate or helpful for such phenomena to be treated as indicative of mental disorder.

Other important topics covered include the way mental illness is measured, its distribution across populations and over time, and the different types of care provided for those with identified mental illness.

Mental Illness will prove invaluable for intending practitioners in medicine, psychiatry, mental health nursing, social work, and clinical and health psychology, as well as for students in psychology, sociology, and the health sciences.

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Praised for its accessibility and depth, the book is considered a valuable resource for both professionals familiar with mental health topics and newcomers. The Journal of Mental Health highlights its suitability for a diverse audience, while Jerome C. Wakefield commends its lucid and comprehensive analysis across disciplines, combining clinical insight with sociological expertise. The work is seen as original, accessible, and engaging in its thorough treatment of mental illness.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780745649061

Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 30 September 2011

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Polity Press

Audience: Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 19.0mm

Width: 140.0mm

Height: 218.0mm

Weight: 318g

Pages: 176

About the Author

Joan Busfield is Professor of Sociology at the University of Essex.

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