Mental Disorders, Medications, and Clinical Social Work

I've kept this book close by since I purchased it in 2002. It is a great resource for students as well as practicing clinicians. I have incorporated this volume in my regular study regimen. For each chapter of the DSM-IV-TR I read the corresponding chapters in the following texts: Austrian's Book, Morrison's "DSM-IV Made Easy", Carson, Butcher & Mineka's "Abnormal Psychology and Modern Life", and lastly the "Oxford Textbook of Psychotherapy", by Gabbard, Beck, & Holmes. I have found each of the noted 5 texts immeasurably helpful in my development as a clinician & psychotherapist.

I am an MSW student and have found this book extremely helpful as I concomitantly study the DSM-IV-TR. Combining the reading of, for example, anxiety disorders in the DSM with Austrian's chapter on anxiety disorders helps clarify assessment criteria. I don't believe the purpose of her book is to discuss the shortfalls of the DSM but rather to aid social workers in gaining a better grasp of its contents. I see her introduction as a disclaimer. The DSM is a necessary evil - whether we like it or not, many of us work in environments where its use is unavoidable. Given that, Austrian provides her opinion, rightfully in the introduction, and then gets down to business with the purpose of the book. I do recommend this book for people wanting to learn, but can't speak for those who feel they have already learned it all.