Fundamentals of Psychiatry

I was interested in comparing this book to two on my bookshelf, The Shorter Oxford Textbook of Psychiatry, and, from the same side of the Atlantic Theory and Practice of Psychiatry by Bruce J. Cohen. Fundamentals of Psychiatry is a rewrite of an earlier publication, Psychiatry, third edition (Tasman et al.), and consists of 39 chapters providing a ‘complete reference for DSM-Iv TR disorders’ (as its back cover states). Its authors are both professors; one of psychiatry and the other of psychiatric nursing. It targets those in training for mental health or practitioners interested in a compact clinical reference. This is a good book that should interest anyone wishing to deepen their understanding of psychiatry. In my own case, I found the chapters on psychiatric classifications and personality disorders informative and thorough. The DSM-Iv TR perspective helps enhance understanding for readers more accustomed to ICD-10. I found the style generally easy to read. It achieves its stated purpose. How did it compare with the other two texts? In short, very well, although The Shorter Oxford Textbook would remain my preference as I am more likely to use the ICD-10 system, which it incorporates. would I buy Fundamentals of Psychiatry? If I did not already have two texts that provide for most of my needs, I would seriously consider doing so. Hence, I would encourage readers to borrow it from the library first and make up their own minds. It might just be the right second psychiatric text to have on your bookshelf. My only criticism is the lack of thorough referencing. Though not alone as a textbook in this regard, this does not assist evidence-based practice and therefore I would be somewhat cautious if quoting it as a source of reference. Consequently, it comes out as ‘not recommended’ below, but you might just enjoy borrowing it from the library and making your own mind up!