The leading reference on personality disorders and their treatment, this authoritative work is now significantly revised with 80% new content reflecting important advances in the field. Preeminent experts provide in-depth coverage of conceptual and taxonomic issues, psychopathology, epidemiology and longitudinal course, etiology and development, and specific diagnoses. Diagnostic issues are explored and available assessment instruments discussed. All available evidence-based treatments are reviewed in consistently organized chapters that cover theoretical and empirical foundations as well as clinical strategies, facilitating comparison of the various approaches.

New to This Edition

*Incorporates more than 15 years of major research advances; includes 21 chapters on new topics.

*Critically examines DSM-5 diagnostic criteria.

*Chapters on additional treatments--mentalization-based treatment, schema-focused therapy, transference-based psychotherapy, and systems training for emotional predictability and problem solving.

*Chapters on dimensional models, longitudinal studies, and personality pathology in children and adolescents.

*Chapters on specific diagnoses: antisocial/psychopathic, borderline, and obsessive–compulsive personality disorder.

*Integrative section introductions by the editors.

See also Integrated Treatment for Personality Disorder, edited by W. John Livesley, Giancarlo Dimaggio, and John F. Clarkin, which weaves multiple well-established intervention strategies into a systematic modular approach.

Review

"A major contribution to the expanding, challenging field of personality disorders. The second edition includes an up-to-date review of significant empirical research and in-depth analysis of controversies regarding etiology and classification, and it critically--yet fairly and objectively--spells out varying theoretical positions and therapeutic approaches. The authors clearly delineate ways we might advance toward an integrated concept of personality and personality disorders, as well as integration of available therapeutic approaches. This volume is a 'must' for all clinicians dealing with the diagnostic and psychotherapeutic challenges of patients with personality disorders, and an essential reference for researchers."--Otto F. Kernberg, MD, Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medical College; Director, Personality Disorders Institute, New York Presbyterian Hospital

"This handbook beautifully demonstrates that a single volume can integrate the needs of clinicians and researchers. The second edition presents the latest scientific research of relevance to the personality disorder community, and documents its crucial translation to clinical practice. The dissemination of the knowledge in this volume ultimately will be of tremendous benefit to persons in recovery and their family members."--Perry D. Hoffman, PhD, President, National Education Alliance for Borderline Personality Disorder

“Livesley has done it again! He and Larstone have assembled a master class of contributors for this second edition--almost all you need to know about personality disorders can be found in the pages of this handbook. Building on the acclaimed first edition, this is a mine of information that no serious student of the subject can afford to ignore."--Peter Tyrer, MD, Emeritus Professor of Community Psychiatry, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom

"Elucidating the major models of understanding, diagnosing, and treating personality disorders, this handbook opens up dialogue by offering an integrative but critical perspective that takes us beyond current controversies. The volume presents a number of conceptual models--including cognitive-behavioral, attachment, psychodynamic, neurobiological, and sociocultural perspectives--and describes cutting-edge research and clinical advances. It also explores the origins of prevailing conceptualizations of the self, identity, and personality. The result is a comprehensive work that will be of use to clinicians, students, and researchers at all levels in psychology and psychiatry. I could see building a course around this book to introduce the range of perspectives in personality disorder research and treatment."--Diana Diamond, PhD, Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program, City University of New York; Senior Fellow, Personality Disorders Institute, Weill Cornell Medical College

"A valuable resource for truly understanding the depths of personality disorders and the recent developments in our understanding of them, along with interventions. The extensive updates make this a worthwhile addition. *****!”

(Doody's Review Service 2018-11-16)

W. John Livesley, MD, PhD, is Professor Emeritus in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of British Columbia, Canada. His research focuses on the structure, classification, and origins of personality disorder, and on constructing an integrated framework for describing and conceptualizing personality pathology. His clinical interests are directed toward developing a unified approach to treatment. Dr. Livesley is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. He is a past editor of the Journal of Personality Disorders.

Roseann Larstone, PhD, is Research Associate in the Northern Medical Program at the University of Northern British Columbia, Canada. She holds an adjunct appointment in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of British Columbia. Her research has focused on personality and psychopathology, adolescent social–emotional development, and adolescent mental health. Dr. Larstone is currently involved in community-based research and program evaluation in the area of health promotion for mental health service recipients. She is a past assistant editor and current editorial board member of the Journal of Personality Disorders.