The management of the severely disturbed adolescent

the long version

This immediately useful new book is both the continuation and the evolution of Dr. William M. Easson's classic volume The Severely Disturbed Adolescent (1969). Almost thirty years later, the principles and procedures of good residential diagnosis and treatment are still the basis for the best diagnosis and the most effective management of adolescents. As Dr. Easson demonstrates here, they can readily be used in any environment and by staff at every level of experience and training. Following an analysis of the increasing problems faced by adolescents and their families, Dr. Easson discusses the evaluation and management of disturbing and disturbed adolescents from the viewpoint of the teenager, the family, the community, and the clinical staff. To deal pragmatically with teenage difficulties, Easson explains, parents and treating personnel need to use themselves as measuring and evaluating instruments as well as the primary therapeutic and management tools. He provides proven techniques for constant self monitoring, ongoing mutual awareness, and orderly communication in the hospital and residential setting. With an abundance of case material, he reviews the process of using this constantly changing data. . He considers in detail the special problems of dealing with distressing and anxiety arousing adolescents and suitable ways of handling these disturbing youngsters. The principles and techniques he outlines can be used effectively in any environment - inpatient or outpatient, clinical and non-clinical - and can result in quicker, more efficient evaluation and management in any setting. Throughout The Management of the Severely Disturbed Adolescent, Dr. Easson's approach is consistently consumer focused and consumer friendly, and emphasizes the need for constant mutual respect and support. The diagnostic and treatment techniques he describes make the most effective use of the resources available and stress the necessity for reasonable goals and realistic rewards.