Book Review
Treatment protocol project (1997). Management of mental disorders (Second edition)
ISBN: 0-958705-20-8 World Health Organisation Collaboration Centre for Mental Health and Substance Abuse
Nicholas G Procter
Professor, Chair of Mental Health Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Division of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide SA
Volume 2 is concerned with the management of schizophrenic disorders, dieting disorders, personality problems, sexual dysfunction and sleep disorders.
This volume is organised around problem categories and diagnostic areas familiar to anyone working in the field. Each area is sympathetic to the current trend towards community-based mental health treatment and case-management, and for these reasons, the book makes a valuable contribution to practice management of mental health problems. The approach taken is deliberately and convincingly practical and there is an appreciation that, in the modern era, many more individuals will be living in the community rather than in purpose-built mental health institutions.
Alongside the obvious benefits of the knowledge contained in this book is a subtle sensitivity for and reassurance about the complex nature of care for people with mental health problems. This book works because there is an understanding of the inherent work context of mental health as well as the fundamental belief that as yet not all the answers are there to guide management. This is particularly true in relation to non-adherence to medications and other forms of prescribed treatment, as well as management of anxiety.
This book is highly deserving of a place in community and non-community nursing practice and educational settings.

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