BookSummary: Handbook of Diagnosis and Treatment of DSM-IV Personality Disorder

Book- Handbook of Diagnosis and Treatment of DSM-IV Personality Disorder
Author-Len Sperry
ISBN-978-0415935692
Chapters: 11
Pages: 297
myRating: 5 Stars

A Personality Journey-Knowing Myself
In my quest to truly understand myself, I embarked into a journey of finding out what type of personality I have and if there are any disorder in my ways and functions.  The journey was long and tedious and I have to carefully study and read and reread the materials that is presented in this book to identify what is and what is not a “disorder” [i’m not in the medical field] .   Many of us who is considered “generally functional”  will never attempt to seek professional help even if we show some symptoms of disorder.  We prefer to study ourselves, find out what it is that bothers us and what the professionals are reporting about it. This book to me is a revelation to some aspects of personality disorder. A good starting point of understanding ourselves and others.  Once you know the types of disorder, it becomes easier to identify “who is who” and “which is  which” and be able to make adjustments to your dealings and interaction with other people and also understanding yourself.

A word of caution – DO NOT TRY to engage treatment to your friends, family or spouse or coworkers. Leave the work to the professionals.  They know everything [i hope] .  But if you cannot afford any professional help, Identify your disorder and try to counter-oppose whatever is mentioned in the symptoms.  I’ve gathered enough notes and organized it so you don’t have to be so lost in your own personality journey.

Where do I start?
0. Know your GAF score.  Go to p. 9 and 11, any GAF score below 60 is critical, you need help.
1. Read the full book – Handbook of Diagnosis and Treatment of DSM-IV Personality Disorder
2. If you don’t have access to the full book, go this website for a short description of each personality disorder: http://psychcentral.com/personality/
3. Read the summary: [please use the pdf bookmark for easier navigation]
BookSummary-DSM IV-Diagnosis and Treatment – The book chapter summary and some stuff.
GAF-QuickReference – General Assessment Function Quick Guide
DSM-IV-QuickGuide – An Excel version of some of my notes, I find this easier to navigate

Supplemental Reading:
Abnormal Psychology-Axis 1-5
DSM-IV CRITERIA
Types of Maladaptive Behavior | Collaborative Behavior Solutions
Avoidant Personality Disorder
Personality Project
Five Factor Personality Test
Personality Types
Psychological Test and Quizzes
Personality Disorders
Symptoms and Treatment of Mental Disorders