How to Practice Evidence-based Psychiatry: Basic Principles and Case Studies

How to Practice Evidence-Based Psychiatry: Basic Principles and Case Studies explains the methods and philosophy of evidence-based psychiatry and describes ways in which psychiatrists and other mental health specialists can incorporate evidence-based psychiatry into clinical practice. It expands and complements the popular text Concise Guide to Evidence-Based Psychiatry, which provides details on obtaining and interpreting medical evidence, and it allows experts from a variety of specialty areas and practice settings to describe interesting and inspiring cases of their own. The first section of this volume can be used as both an introduction to the topic and a ready reference for researching the literature and appraising evidence. It offers chapters devoted to systematic reviews and meta-analyses, clinical practice guidelines, diagnostic tests, surveys of disease frequency, and prognosis and psychometric measurement. The second and third sections, on the application of evidence-based psychiatry to major DSM-IV disorders and specific treatment settings, include relevant case examples in which 24 experienced clinicians from a variety of practice settings discuss situations in which they followed aspects of evidence-based care. This book is a valuable new tool to help residents, practicing psychiatrists, and other mental health workers understand and make use of evidence-based information to improve their everyday practice.