When Psychological Problems Mask Medical Disorders

“James Morrison's book is a gem. He addresses common medical illnesses that produce psychological symptoms in a refreshing manner, making the book an excellent review text for fellow psychiatrists and nonphysician psychotherapists....His occasionally tongue-in-cheek style makes for pleasant readability without minimizing the importance of his message....Tables...are laid out in easily readable form and useful for quick cross-referencing....This is book worth its weight in gold: it is eminently readable and can save some lives and bring improvement to many others.”

—Journal of the American Medical Association (on the first edition)


“At once a primer on the collaboration of psychotherapist and physician and a useful reference book for this purpose. Although it is intended for psychotherapists with limited medical training, it may also be useful to primary care physicians and other medical clinicians who may be the first contact for patients who present with psychiatric symptoms.”

—Psychiatric Services (on the first edition)


“This factual, current, and well-written guide is necessary reading for all clinicians who desire to sharpen their diagnostic skills. Morrison addresses the problems presented by psychiatric patients who may suffer from medical disorders, helping the clinician make sense of symptom presentations that are often confusing and on occasion mysterious and baffling. With tables, lists, and detailed explanations, this book establishes order and method in the examination of the complex patient. This second edition carries on the quality of the first, but is greatly enhanced by more information, new insights and clinical revelations, and a pragmatic interpretation of the latest findings.”

—Rodrigo A. Muñoz, MD, Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego; past president, American Psychiatric Association


“The ability to differentiate medical and psychological sources of psychological symptoms is a core competency in case formulation and treatment planning. Morrison's succinct book helps clinicians with this critical task better than any other. The book is cross-indexed so information is rapidly available. It is replete with case examples and interesting historical references, and benefits from Morrison's wit and humor. An outstanding contribution.”

—Tracy D. Eells, PhD, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Louisville


“The second edition of this authoritative work covers a topic that is far too often ignored in the training and practice of mental health practitioners. The book is comprehensive, well organized, and easy to read. Morrison’s engaging style and inclusion of numerous summary tables make the book particularly accessible. This is an essential resource that should be on every clinician’s bookshelf or e-reader.”

—Martin M. Antony, PhD, ABPP, Department of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Canada


“I used the first edition for many years to train doctoral students in clinical psychology, and found it to greatly enhance their training. I have no doubt that the second edition also will be extremely popular among students. The text is compelling and easy to read. It helps students and busy professionals quickly explore alternative diagnoses to avoid misdiagnosing medical disorders as psychological illnesses.”

—Leslie A. Robinson, PhD, Director, Clinical Health Track; Director, Center for Health Promotion and Evaluation, Department of Psychology, University of Memphis


“Although most therapists are not medical specialists, we do not treat disembodied persons. Morrison alerts us to the most common mental symptoms that might be due to physical disorders, and heightens our diagnostic acumen. His efficient presentation, using both narrative and tables, can alert us to problems we might not have asked about and make treatment more comprehensive and effective. This updated second edition—written in the intelligent, experienced, and modest voice we have come to expect from Morrison—is a foundational resource for all therapists.”

—Edward L. Zuckerman, PhD, author of Clinician's Thesaurus