General handbooks

These books focus more on the practical aspects of psychiatry and are designed to be carried around with you and be a quick source of information.

	Oxford Handbook of Psychiatry
	1st edition 2005
	Semple, Smyth, Burns, Darjee, McIntosh | Publisher: Oxford University Press
	The "Oxford Handbook of Psychiatry" is a new book directed at medical students, doctors coming to psychiatry for the first time, psychiatric trainees, and other professionals who may have to deal with patients with psychiatric problems. It is written by a group of experienced psychiatrists and is designed to provide easy access to the information required by psychiatry trainees on the wards or on-call. It closely follows the familiar format of the "Oxford Handbooks" series, and provides coverage that is comprehensive, evidence based and practical. The content of the handbook is written in the concise, note-based style characteristic of the series, with topics confined to single pages. The book is divided into four sections: fundamentals of psychiatric practice; general adult psychiatry; psychiatric subspecialties; and useful reference material. Within each chapter, topics are covered in a clear, logical, manner. For the clinical disorders there is detailed information on the aetiology, epidemiology, clinical features, common differential diagnoses, assessment / investigation, management, and prognosis. There is in-depth coverage of psychiatric assessment, psychopathology, evidence-based practice, mental health legislation in the UK, therapeutic issues, and transcultural psychiatry. The book is internally cross-referenced and has both key references to important papers and to further information resources. As well as being indexed alphabetically, it is also indexed by ICD-10 / DSM-IV codes, and there is a quick index for acute presentations. This handbook is practical and directive in style, designed to provide portable reassurance to doctors beginning psychiatry. There is helpful advice for the management of difficult and urgent situations, and the text is peppered with clinical observations on the practice of clinical psychiatry and guidance based upon the experience of the authors.
	Verdict: A massive amount of information clearly presented in a handbook format. It may be the only book you ever need.

	The Maudsley Handbook of Practical Psychiatry
	5th edition 2006
	Goldberg, Murray | Publisher: Oxford University Press
	The Maudsley Handbook of Practical Psychiatry (the ‘Orange’ book) has long served trainees in psychiatry, presenting them with practical and essential advice. This new edition of the handbook provides guidance on the psychiatric and neuropsychiatric examination and interviewing of adults and children, the basis for reaching a diagnosis and defining a treatment plan. It also covers special interview situations, such as dealing with specific patient reactions, and other special problems, for example, conducting a complicated assessment in cases of autism or self-harm. The final chapters explain when to refer to the experts and describe early treatment interventions. The book concludes with important legal and service organisation issues.
	Verdict: A useful book with practical information. Particularly useful for newcomers to psychiatry.

	Pocket Psychiatry
	2nd edition 2002
	Bhui, Weich, Lloyd | Publisher: Bailliere Tindall
	"Pocket Psychiatry" is a concise, problem oriented guide to dealing with acute psychiatric conditions. This new edition will be invaluable to trainees in psychiatry as well as to general practitioners and accident and emergency staff.
	Verdict: Useful handbook but not as comprehensive as other handbooks.