The First Interview, Third Edition: Third Edition

Now in a revised and expanded third edition, this indispensable clinical guidebook describes and illustrates how to conduct a successful diagnostic mental health interview. James Morrison details effective methods for posing clinical questions; what the clinician should ask to obtain complete, accurate information; and how to select the best strategy to meet any clinical situation. Throughout the book, Morrison interweaves the latest research on what works with fresh insights on how to build rapport and enhance patient motivation. Compelling new features include an innovative chapter on troubleshooting and a semistructured interview, with permission to photocopy.

Table of Contents:
Introduction: What is Interviewing? Openings and Introductions. Chief Complaint and Free Speech. Developing Rapport. Managing the Early Patient Interview. History of the Present Illness. Getting the Facts About the Present Illness. Interviewing About Feelings. Personal and Social History. Sensitive Subjects. Control of the Later Interview. Mental Status Exam I: Behavioral Aspects. Mental Status Exam II: Cognitive Aspects. Signs and Symptoms in Areas of Clinical Interest. Closure. Interviewing Informants. Meeting Resistance. Special or Challenging Patient Behaviors and Issues. Diagnosis and Recommendations. Sharing Your Findings with the Patient. Communicating Your Findings to Others. Troubleshooting Your Interview. Appendix A. Summary of the Initial Interview. Appendix B. Description and Diagnostic Criteria for Selected Disorders. Appendix C. Sample Interview with Report. Appendix D. A Semistructured Interview. Appendix E. Assessing Your Interview. Appendix F. Bibliography and Recommended Reading.

About the Author :
James Morrison, MD, Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA

Review :
"Even as an experienced interviewer, I was well rewarded by reading this comprehensive guide to all aspects of interviewing. Morrison's extensive experience, elegant wordings for use in difficult situations, and sage clinical and diagnostic advice truly shine. No other book on interviewing is as rich and rewarding for students. It provides specific insights for doing the best possible interviews and describing and communicating the findings. This is an essential book for all mental health clinicians." - Edward L. Zuckerman, PhD, author of Clinician's Thesaurus "This well-written book is an excellent tutorial for professionals who need to take patients' psychiatric and medical histories. It is laced with helpful pointers, clinical vignettes, and 'dos and don'ts' that guide the reader through the interview process. While it is especially relevant for students, even interviewers as experienced as myself can find helpful tips to make the interview process more efficient. This book adds to Morrison's strong body of work intended to help clinicians perform their jobs better, and is certainly a 'must read' for those just beginning the training process." - "David L. Dunner, MD, FACPsych, Director, Center for Anxiety and Depression, Mercer Island, Washington, USA and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, USA "This book was written to help transform those just starting out in mental health services into discerning and welcoming observers who can interact with patients to obtain the best information, make sound decisions, and create strong relationships. Psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, nurse practitioners, and all who talk to patients will profit from learning and applying the strategies so clearly outlined here." - "Rodrigo Munoz, MD, Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, USA