Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis in Social Work Practice or Sound Doctrine

Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis in Social Work Practice

Author: Jacqueline Corcoran

This user-friendly textbook not only guides social workers in developing competence in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR) system of diagnosis, it also assists them in staying attuned during client assessment to social work values and principles: a focus on client strengths, concern for the worth and dignity of individuals, appreciation of environmental influences on behavior, and a reliance on evidence-based approaches.
The authors, seasoned practitioner-scholars, provide an in-depth exploration of fourteen major mental disorders that social workers commonly see in practice, integrating several perspectives in order to meet the challenges social workers face in client assessment. A risk and resilience framework helps social workers understand environmental influences on the emergence of mental disorders and the strengths that clients already possess. Social workers will also learn to apply critical thinking to the DSM when it is inconsistent with social work values and principles. Finally, the authors catalog evidence-based assessment instruments and treatments so that social workers can intervene efficiently and effectively, using the best resources available.
Students and practitioners alike will appreciate the wealth of case examples, evidence-based assessment instruments, and treatment plans that make this an essential guide to the assessment and diagnostic processes in social work practice.

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction and Overview

2. Social Work and the DSM

I. Disorders with Onset in Childhood

3. Mental Retardation

4. Autism

5. Oppositional Defiant Disorder/Conduct Disorder

6. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

7. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

8. Anxiety Disorders

II. Disorders with Onset in Adolescence

9. Eating Disorders

10. Depression

11. Substance Use Disorders

12. Sexual Disorders - Pedophilia

III. Disorders with Onset in Adulthood

13. Bipolar Disorder

14. Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders

15. Personality Disorders - Borderline Personality Disorder

IV. Disorders with Onset in the Elderly

16. Cognitive Disorders

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Sound Doctrine: A Tactical Primer

Author: Charles Heal

Charles "Sid" Heal is a Lieutenant at the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. He holds three college degrees, two lifetime California teaching credentials, and is a recipient of more than 90 commendations from law enforcement, military, and governmental agencies.

What People Are Saying

Daryl F. Gates
"I have little doubt that Heal's textbook will have long-lasting appeal and become an integral and indispensable part of tactical training and education courses in both academia and in-service programs."