Should I read the DSM-IV?

[LifeLine]

In the past few months, I've developed a great interest in extreme personalities. Mental and personality disorders fascinate me because of their effects and the mystery of their origins. To be quite honest, I believe that 90% of the population has some sort of disorder.

I'm looking to research mental disorders to gain a better understanding of the various disorders and get a start in studying psychology. Is the DSM-IV a good place to start off?

 

[Da Blob]

Yes...But the DSM-IV-TR is terribly redundant and a boring read. I would suggest that a summary (The DSM for Dummies) would be a more efficient use of time. In that regard a standard textbook on "Abnormal Psychology" might serve you better - either Oltmann's and Emery, or Sun, Sun & Sun would work. However, I have found David Shaffer's Social and Personality Development to be more useful than either of those two references. One can get used copies on the net at very reasonable costs if one settles for older editions...

 

[Anthile]

Also, the DSM is more of a book of reference and nothing you read from beginning to end.

 

[Da Blob]

Also, the DSM is more of a book of reference and nothing you read from beginning to end.

But...But I did read it from beginning to end!

 

[LifeLine]

Yes...But the DSM-IV-TR is terribly redundant and a boring read. I would suggest that a summary (The DSM for Dummies) would be a more efficient use of time. In that regard a standard textbook on "Abnormal Psychology" might serve you better - either Oltmann's and Emery, or Sun, Sun & Sun would work. However, I have found David Shaffer's Social and Personality Development to be more useful than either of those two references. One can get used copies on the net at very reasonable costs if one settles for older editions...

I see what you're saying. The DSM-IV-TR is nearly 1000 pages. I'll check out the authors you recommended. So far, my public library (best source for free books) doesn't seem to have anything but the DSM and its 500 page guidebook companion. Thanks.

 

[Architectonic]

If you're interested in politics, do you read a bunch of legislation?

 

[Jaico]

You could check out a college/university library if you live in a city/town with one. There's a good chance you'll find something on abnormal psychology in the bookstacks; if not, if there's a psychology degree offered then chances are that there'll be a course on abnormal psychology, so you could buy the book/borrow it from someone's who's taken it before (preferably borrow, as textbooks are wicked expensive )