Review by Choice Review
Peay (Johns Hopkins) and Austin (Univ. of British Columbia) offer an excellent resource that should be required reading in graduate programs for nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists in psychiatric tracks. Likewise it would be excellent reading for primary care nurse practitioners since a high percentage of complaints that nurses deal with have a mental health origin. The authors, both skilled clinicians, present very helpful examples of presenting information, asking questions, determining whether a genetic referral is needed, and sharing findings with patients and families about a mental health diagnosis. This well-written book should hold readers' attention (except perhaps for chapter 1, "Genetics 101"--most clinicians with master's degrees would already have a good understanding of the concepts it presents). The book features useful case studies that depict patients' perceptions of why they do not comply with medical directives, and how they understand and adapt to illness. Finally, the authors share an exceptionally comprehensive reference list and Web site list for practitioners to use in their daily work. This will be a valuable book for all practitioners dealing with individuals with mental health concerns. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through professionals/practitioners. S. C. Grossman Fairfield University
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review