Book Review
BOOK REVIEW : WHERE THERE IS NO PSYCHIATRIST
Where There is no Psychiatrist. A Mental Health Manual by Dr Vikram Patel.
Many people are familiar with the excellent books 'Where there is no Doctor' and 'Where Women have no Doctor'. This new book, 'Where there is no Psychiatrist' has been on plan for a long time, and in my opinion was worth waiting for. The author has experience in Africa and India, as well as holding professional posts in the UK, and has therefore the knowledge and background to write for a cross-cultural community.
He has succeeded well.
On first sight the book may appear to be heavy-going because there is a lot of print in only 288 pages, but this is offset by clear and comprehensible language. Technical terms are used, but are clearly explained, and good use has been made of black and white pictures, tables and boxes. My only criticism would be that those for whom English is not a first language might find the quantity of writing on each page a little daunting. I hope it will be translated into other languages in the near future.
The book is divided into several sections. Part I: an overview of mental illness, containing three subsections - an introduction to mental illness, assessment and treatment. Part II: Clinical problems, in 5 subsections.
Part III: integrating mental health care, dealing with exciting topics such as mental health in primary care, caring for the carers, and meeting refugee needs. Part IV: Localising the manual for your area. There follow flow charts for problem solving, bibliography, glossary of terms and a request for comments.
I would strongly recommend this book for all those with anything to do with health care, however senior, for there is much that is refreshingly helpful.
I would also recommend it for leaders of communities of all kinds, including those working in a pastoral capacity. Non-medical workers would also find it helpful, for they are often asked advice by the local community. This book could help them to understand mental health problems better and so enable them to give people practical advice about the kind of treatment needed , and where to get it in their local area.
Published by Gaskell, British Library Catalogue number ISBN 1-901242-75-7.
Order from: Book sales, Royal College of Psychiatrists,17 Belgrave Square London SW1X 8PG, or from any bookseller who deals with imported books.
Can be ordered on line at www.rcpsych.ac.uk/publications Price £8.00 post free for UK and overseas surface mail deliveries. It is endorsed by Teaching Aids at Low Cost(TALC)
Marjory F Foyle MB.BS,MD,FRCPsych,DPM,DRCOG
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