Handbook of Empirical Social Work Practice, Volume 1: Mental Disorders

Covers clinically effective treatments for over twenty of the major mental, behavioral, and emotional diagnoses in the DSM-IV

The last two decades in social work have seen tremendous strides in field research, from the development of improved research designs to more accurate methods of problem measurement and outcome analysis. Drawing upon these significant advances, the two-volume Handbook of Empirical Social Work Practice brings together empirically validated interventions for many of the psychosocial problems most frequently encountered by social workers in their daily practice.

Unlike other books in the field that employ a theory-based approach to treatment, this handbook focuses on the best-supported methods of helping clients with particular problems irrespective of theoretical biases, offering clinicians a valuable compendium of practice guidelines for treatment.

Edited and authored by recognized experts in the field, the Handbook of Empirical Social Work Practice is clearly written and organized for easy reference. Volume One covers clinically effective treatments for over twenty of the major mental, behavioral, and emotional diagnoses in the DSM-IV(TM), including:
* Disorders typically diagnosed in infancy, childhood, or adolescence
* Substance-related disorders
* Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders
* Mood and anxiety disorders
* Sexual and eating disorders
* Personality disorders


With information that is at once accessible and up to date, the Handbook of Empirical Social Work Practice is a vital source of guidance for today's clinical social workers and other practicing mental health professionals, as well as students.

"One of the best tools to promote the values of the [social work] profession is that of empirical social work practice. 'Telling the truth' is one of these values, and discovering the truth is something that empirical research is very good at. This book presents credible reviews of contemporary empirical literature pertaining to selected behavioral, affective, and intellectual disorders, and their psychosocial assessment and treatment. That such a book is now possible is a striking affirmation of the merits of the approach to social work called empirical clinical practice."
-from the Handbook of Empirical Social Work Practice

BRUCE A. THYER, PhD, LCSW, is Research Professor of Social Work at the University of Georgia. In addition to editing the journal Research on Social Work Practice, Dr. Thyer has produced over 160 journal articles and ten books, including Cultural Diversity and Social Work Practice, Controversial Issues in Social Work Practice, and Finding Solutions to Social Problems: Behavioral Strategies for Change.

JOHN S. WODARSKI, PhD, is Janet B. Wattles Research Professor and Director of the Doctoral Program and Research Center of the State University of New York at Buffalo. He has edited, authored, or coauthored 19 books, including Adolescent Sexuality and Mal-treatment and the School-Age Child.