Main description:

Foreword by Stephen Fry

Controversy and confusion surround personality disorder (PD). Long dismissed as impossible to treat, PD has become a catch-all for various conditions, abounding with negative stereotypes and incorrect information.

Now, revised and simpler classifications devised for the World Health Organization (WHO) should make diagnosis and treatment more straightforward. This book, by Professor Peter Tyrer, chair of the advisory body for the WHO, presents new ways of looking at personality. Taming the Beast Within explores the strengths as well as the difficulties of personality, so that all can come to an informed and tolerant understanding of PD.

Topics include:

what personality is
'normal' and 'abnormal' personalities
how mental illness differs from personality disorder
politics and personality
the roots of disturbance
types of disorder, including borderline personality disorder
helping yourself and others
nidotherapy and other approaches
drug treatments

Professor Peter Tyrer says, 'I hope this book will help people with PD, their families and friends, and everyone involved in managing this very common condition. Using our personality strengths, and accepting that some difficulties with others may be self-generated, are the key to understanding. The title of this book can then be changed - no longer a beast within, just a pussy cat!'

Contents:

Topics include:
What is personality disorder?
Why the older definitions didn't work
The new classifications - from mild to severe
How to recognize PD - case studies
Differentiating PD from conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia
Associated problems such as problem drinking
Relationships and rejection
Effective coping skills for families and friends - setting boundaries, asserting your needs
Can you persuade them to have treatment? (psychological and medication)
Specialist treatment for PD - `nidotherapy' (adjusting the environment to make it less stressful for the person with PD)
Taking your life back - a life of your own
Safety for yourself and your children"