Overview

First published in 1974, Obsessional States is a collection of original papers by clinical psychologists and psychiatrists that gave a comprehensive survey of thought on significant aspects of obsessional neuroses at the time. The symptoms of patients suffering from this kind of disorder are discussed in the light of contemporary theoretical frameworks, and the outcome of various treatments is examined. There was much still to be learnt about obsessional disorders, and it was hoped that by reviewing the current evidence available and at the same time offering new information on the subject, the book would act as a stimulus to further research. Today it can be read in its historical context.

Full Product Details

Author:   H. R. Beech
Publisher:   Taylor & Francis Ltd
Imprint:   Routledge
Weight:   0.830kg
ISBN:  

9781041194200

ISBN 10:   104119420
Pages:   362
Publication Date:   08 December 2025
Audience:   College/higher education ,  Adult education ,  Adult education ,  Tertiary & Higher Education ,  Further / Higher Education
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   Manufactured on demand  
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Table of Contents

List of Contributors. Part One: Clinical and Psychometric Descriptions 1. Approaches to Understanding Obsessional States H. R. Beech 2. The Natural History of Obsessional Neurosis Alan Black 3. The Clinical Problem Peter G. Mellett 4. Psychometric Studies of Obsessional Illness and Obsessional Personality P. D. Slade. Part Two: Theory and Experiment 5. Toward a Theory of Obsessional Disorder H. R. Beech and J. Perigault 6. Decision-Making, Mood States and Ritualistic Behaviour Among Obsessional Patients H. R. Beech and Andrée Liddell 7. Displacement Activity as a Form of Abnormal Behaviour in Animals H. C. Holland 8. Thinking and the Obsessional Fay Fransella 9. Learning Models of Obsessional-Compulsive Disorder John D. Teasdale Part Three: Therapeutic Approaches 10. The Behavioural Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders V. Meyer, R. Levy and A. Schnurer 11. Psychotherapy and Obsessional Disorders Robert Cawley 12. Physical Treatments in Obsessional Disorders M. Sternberg. References. Index.

Reviews

Reviews for the original edition: ‘… this book is welcome and timely … a valuable contribution, well produced, which is particularly useful in giving the reader a perspective of the ramifications of these illnesses, with facts, experimental results and hypothesis. Apart from its immediate usefulness, it can be guaranteed a leading role in the literature and in moulding current and future thought and practice.’ – British Journal of Psychiatry ‘… a carefully prepared and edited book, the making of which has engendered creative thinking by the fourteen psychologist and psychiatrist contributors, and the reading of which is likely to stimulate further thinking and clinical research… The thorough critical coverage of clinical studies, research and experimental work relating to obsessional behaviour and character in Parts 1 and 2 will make this a useful reference book.’ – British Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology

Author Information

H. R. (Harold Reginald) Beech (1925–1992) was, at the time of original publication, Consultant Psychologist at Withington Hospital, West Didsbury, Manchester, UK.

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