THE BEHAVIORAL ADDICTIONS

Image of the book cover for 'THE BEHAVIORAL ADDICTIONS'
Author: Michael Ascher, M.D., Petros Levounis, M.D., M.A.
Affiliation: University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
Publisher: American Psychiatric Association Publishing
Publication Date: 2015
ISBN 10: 1585624853
ISBN 13: 9781585624850
eISBN: 9781585625499
Edition: 1st
Description:
The Behavioral Addictions provides a pragmatic and engaging guide to help clinicians understand and contextualize conditions that may not be clearly delineated in the DSM-5 diagnostic system. Although not accorded a specific classification, the behaviors addressed in this book share the accepted hallmarks of addiction-continued engagement in an action despite negative consequences and loss of control over one's own life. The editors begin with an overview of the behavioral addictions from neurobiological, theoretical, clinical, and forensic perspectives and then present 12 case studies focused on a variety of behaviors, from exercising to Internet gaming and from kleptomania to tanning. These real-life case studies are both fascinating and instructive, and along with accompanying videos, they help trainees and practicing clinicians alike to digest current research and gain "hands-on" experience with the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions. In the realm of behavioral addictions, there is much work to be done: figuring out reliable diagnostic criteria, building useful assessment tools, and developing effective psychosocial and pharmacological treatments, to name a few critical tasks. The Behavioral Addictions is an indispensable, case-based resource to guide clinicians in this rapidly changing field.
Related Titles