Unusual and Rare Psychological Disorders

Abstract

Many fascinating and important psychological disorders are either omitted from our current diagnostic systems or rarely covered during graduate or medical training. As a result, most mental health students and trainees are never taught to identify, diagnose, or treat them. This lack of attention has real-world consequences not only for patients, but for basic science as well.This volume collects and usefully synthesizes the scientific and clinical literatures of 21 lesser-known, but nonetheless important, psychological disorders. The chapters are broadly grouped into (a) disorders of sleep, (b) variations in psychosis, (c) sexual disorders/disorders of arousal, (d) culture-bound disorders, and (e) miscellaneous syndromes. All chapters follow a uniform structure and begin with a vivid clinical vignette. After discussing the historical context of each disorder, consideration is given to the typical presentation, the current roles in diagnostic systems (if any), and the main etiological theories. Next, clinically relevant information on assessment and differential diagnosis is provided. Finally, specific treatment recommendations are made and future directions for research are discussed. This unique and engaging volume will not only be a useful resource for researchers and clinicians who already possess expertise in the more well-known manifestations of psychopathology, but it will also be of interest to students and trainees in the mental health professions.