The Maudsley Handbook of Practical Psychiatry has long served trainees
in psychiatry, presenting them with practical and essential advice. This
new edition of the handbook, perhaps better known as the 'orange book',
provides guidance on the psychiatric and neuropsychiatric examination
and interviewing of adults and children - not just a central skill, but
the basis for reaching a diagnosis and defining a treatment plan. It
also covers special interview situations, such as dealing with specific
patient reactions, and other special problems, for example, conducting a
complicated assessment in cases of autism or self-harm. The book
concludes with important legal and service organisation issues.
As with previous editions, the new edition has been revised and
rewritten with the full and active involvement of a group of consultant
psychiatrists and trainees.