This authoritative work comprehensively reviews what is known about personality disorders, including vital information to guide clinical decision making. Leading experts synthesize contemporary thinking about the classification, etiologies, and development of these complex disorders. Diagnostic issues are explored, and available assessment instruments are discussed. The Handbook provides in-depth coverage of all commonly used psychotherapeutic and pharmacological treatments, with particular attention to the empirical evidence for each approach. Also addressed are special treatment modalities, such as day programs and group therapy, and forensic issues.
W. John Livesley, MD, PhD, is Professor and former Head of the Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada. He is also Editor of the Journal of Personality Disorders. Dr. Livesley has contributed extensively to the literature on personality disorder, with publications including the edited volume The DSM-IV Personality Disorders. His research focuses on the classification, assessment, and origins of personality disorder, and his clinical interests center on an integrated approach to treatment based on current empirical knowledge.