Delusional Disorder: Paranoia and Related Illnesses

Rating:
Summary: Great description and classification but dehumanizing
Review: Brilliant description and classification based on an exhaustive review of the literature and a lifetime of personal clinical experience and research is somewhat marred by the author's antidynamic stand along with the really cheap shots he takes at Freud and his tendency to ridicule almost anyone who suggests that we can understand delusions in the light of the patient's conflicts and concerns. Is it really plausible that erotomanic delusions are not related to a patient's sexuality, or that litigious delusions are not rooted in a patient's hostility? Does it seem likely that there is nothing to talk about with a patient who is convinced that her stretch marks will hamper her chances for marriage? To my way of thinking this is an unfortunate dehumanization of patients with a Delusional Disorder. Highly recommended, but mainly for those who are more interested in diagnosing than in treating Delusional Disorder using other than pharmacological methods.