Rating: 
Summary: bigger is not better
Review: 1,400 pages is a synopsis?! It's content would be perfect for a family doctor, but I think that's asking for too much reading for most. I know a lot of psychiatrists who really like the book, that's part of why I gave it 4 stars, but I think there are other, more accessible books. My med students read Nancy Andreason's book for a general introduction. Or read the Oxford Guide to Psychopathology, a MUCH better book; supplement with Steve Hyman's book on Pharm., and do your OWN exploring in the world of psychodynamics. To suggest this latter topic can be covered in ANY "synopsis" is insulting to the field.
Rating:
Summary: Comprehensive and well written
Review: A popular standard textbook for clerkship and internship, it offers a fairly comprehensive view of the field of psychiatry as a whole. Very well written, easy to read, and with plenty of illustrations. Besides clinical knowledge, the book also provides enough history (very interesting, photoes of big names in the field), psychodynamics (lot of programs now do not offer formal training, but it is nice to know the basics as a physician), and basic neuroscience (useful in ward discussion, though not in research-depth). The basic science part is somewhat not very updated to readers who involve in basic research. In general this is a solid investigation for those who has serious interest in psychiatry. But if you are going to be a psychiatrist, this is less than enough to be a reference resorce and too big for a quick reference. It may, however, serve as an appetite before you start the Comprehensive Text Book of Psychiatry from the same authers, so that the latter won't be overwhelming.
Rating: 
Summary: Useful for the general public and mental health workers
Review: Designed for the practicing professional, Synopsis has been of value to the general public as well. This has been gratifying to us as authors, because we believe that patients and clients of mental health practioners should have an authoritative resource, such as Synopis, that allows them to collaborate in their own treatment or in the treatment of those close to them.
Rating: 
Summary: An excellent work but there is another one better
Review: I find this a concise and useful summary of the current state of development of Psychiarty. However personally I prefer the Shorter Oxford Textbook of Psychiarty a little bit more.
Rating:
Summary: Best General Psychiatric Text for the Buck
Review: I purchased this book when it was the 7th edition, and own both 7th and 8th. I can say that as a student of medicine, this book may be overkill for some people, however, I find it to be the best "complete" text out there. With chapters on neuro A&P, DSM-IV clinical disorders, individual pharmacological agents, and even child psychiatry, it's all one needs to learn medical psychiatry. My only advice is for someone who isn't a student of clinical medicine or a medical professional, you might find it a difficult read.
Rating:
Summary: Best General Psychiatric Text for the Buck
Review: I purchased this book when it was the 7th edition, and own both 7th and 8th. I can say that as a student of medicine, this book may be overkill for some people, however, I find it to be the best "complete" text out there. With chapters on neuro A&P, DSM-IV clinical disorders, individual pharmacological agents, and even child psychiatry, it's all one needs to learn medical psychiatry. My only advice is for someone who isn't a student of clinical medicine or a medical professional, you might find it a difficult read.
Rating:
Summary: A standard text
Review: If you practice in the behavioral sciences, this book should be on your shelf. Features updated information on the diagnosis and treatment of all the DSM diagnoses as well as interesting historical information. Takes what's in the DSM and expands on it at some length, including psychotherapeutic and pharmacological interventions. Written with a surprisingly even hand towards all interventions, I have found it more useful than the DSM most of the time, especially in guiding treatment decisions. My only complaint is their decision to drop material on some of the older medications. Still, a terrific resource for the working pracitioner!
Rating:
Summary: A standard text
Review: If you practice in the behavioral sciences, this book should be on your shelf. Features updated information on the diagnosis and treatment of all the DSM diagnoses as well as interesting historical information. Takes what's in the DSM and expands on it at some length, including psychotherapeutic and pharmacological interventions. Written with a surprisingly even hand towards all interventions, I have found it more useful than the DSM most of the time, especially in guiding treatment decisions. My only complaint is their decision to drop material on some of the older medications. Still, a terrific resource for the working pracitioner!
Rating:
Summary: LOTS of information...perhaps a bit too detailed
Review: Professionals and the truely interested will appreciate this book for its extensivly packed-full-of-information chapters. Current DSM criteria and DSM case studies are illustrated throughout. Bulleted outlines, black and white pictures, and colored boxes help break up the endless text. Downfalls: The pages are thin, and the print is smaller than most texts, and the book is very heavy and not one most would chose to tote around. It is detailed with both Pscyh 101 and Ph.D level information that is great for advanced students who REALLY want to learn all there is to know. However, for those just trying to get through a psychopathology course, the book is a bit too extensive and the long chapters are a bit overwhelming Exams off this book need to be created with care and understanding as so much information is contained in the chapters that it is difficult for students to distinquish between whats important for an exam and what is more information than you really need to know at that point. Student have trouble remembering the tiny details and oftentimes miss information that more advanced professionals have already learned and take for granted. Give a study guide to reduce exam anxiety and give multiple exams. Okay text book but not for courses only giving midterm and final exams. You really weekly exams to keep students on track and not overwhelmed. EXCELLENT resouce book personal growth or research.
Rating:
Summary: Comprehensive
Review: This a very comprehensive textbook (even though it says synopsis) of psychiatry. I have heard it is great preparation for the psych boards. However, it is quite dry and at times dense and difficult to read. A great book but I wish it was easier to read.
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