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BOOK REVIEW
Psychiatric and Behavioural Disorders in Intellectual and Developmental
Disabilities
2nd edition
Nick Bouras & Geraldine Holt (Eds)
Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2007
424 pp., £50 (hdbk)
ISBN 9780521608251
(Also available as an e-book: ISBN 9780511267048)
The first edition of the book Psychiatric and Behavioural Disorders in Developmental
Disabilities in 1999 made available a comprehensive text for the field of Learning
Disability Psychiatry. In this second edition, where Bouras is joined by Holt as co-editor,
the revised title presents the first indication of the update in knowledge and clinical
trends contained within; the term ‘‘Mental Retardation’’ has been replaced with
‘‘Intellectual Disabilities’’ which is globally more accepted and recognized. This sets the
pace for presenting its intended readers with the challenge of rethinking their ideas about
this unique field of practice.
The book’s layout is excellent; divided into sections on Assessment, Psychopathology,
Treatment and Service Systems, each of which contains informative chapters.
The Assessment and Psychopathology sections include striking discussion of multi-
disciplinary assessment and the use of assessment tools. The distinctions that apply to the
presentation of mental illness in people with Intellectual Disabilities are clearly highlighted.
Also very welcome is the wealth of information on the interface between medical and
psychiatric disorders. The Treatment section provides an analytical and evidence-based look
at the sometimes controversial area of psychopharmacology in this population. Additionally
this edition contains new and significant chapters on Psychodynamic Approaches and
Psychosocial interventions, which broadens the appeal to a range of Therapists and Social
Workers.
The Service Delivery section is of high standard and provides a good overview of
international service models. However, I would have appreciated a more in-depth cover of
the gap between the remits of general adult psychiatry and learning disability psychiatry to
include service delivery for persons with borderline learning disabilities and persons with
Asperger Syndrome.
The ending of each chapter with a ‘‘conclusion’’ helps focus the application and
implication of the topics discussed, whilst the ‘‘summary points’’ section provides a useful
bullet-point presentation of the most poignant facts, particularly helpful for busy
practitioners and students.
On the whole, all the topics are comprehensively written by an impressive range of
authors, including psychiatrists, psychologists and researchers well recognized in their
respective fields.
Journal of Mental Health,
August 2009; 18(4): 362–363
ISSN 0963-8237 print/ISSN 1360-0567 online � Shadowfax Publishing and Informa Healthcare USA, Inc.
DOI: 10.1080/09638230902946783
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In summary, the editors have produced an excellent well-researched tool for hands-on
clinical practice. With its clarity, reader-friendly style, up-to-date knowledge and practical
relevance, this is a text which is highly recommended for anyone involved in the field of
intellectual disabilities, from students to clinicians and managers.
LEAH AKINLONU
Specialist Registrar in Psychiatry of Learning Disabilities,
Waltham Forest Community Learning Disabilities Team,
London, UK
E-mail: [email protected]
Book Review 363
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