Prior and subsequentto the publication of the third edition of the Diagnos tic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III), we have witnessed a considerable upsurge in the quantity and quality of research concerned with the psychiatric diagnostic process. There are several factors that have contributed to this empirical influx, including improved diagnostic cri teria for many psychiatric disorders, increased nosological attention to childhood psychopathology, and development and standardization of several structured diagnostic interview schedules for both adult and child populations. With the advent of DSM-III-R, and in anticipation of DSM-IV, diagnostic labels and their definitions have been in a state of change, as evinced by the many refinements and modifications currently taking place. However, the basic purpose or raison d'etre of the nosological scheme has not been altered. Psychiatric diagnosis is the means by which we classify or categorize human psychopathology. And, as is the case in the medical arena, psychiatric diagnosis serves three central functions: classification. communication. and prediction. As research accumulates, our understanding of psychiatric disorders increases, and we are in a much better position to classify reliably and with validity, as well as to com municate and predict Despite periodic changes in the diagnostic system, the basic strategies for conducting diagnostic research (e. g. , genetic-family studies, biological markers, follow-up studies, etc. ) do not vary appreciably over time. But in over one decade no scholarly book has appeared that tackles the essential research issues involved in upgrading the diagnostic endeavor.

In this Information Age, the practices of clinical medicine should no longer be based on what clinical doctors actively know. Rather, all of the importantly practice-relevant knowledge should not only already exist but also be codified in cyberspace, in directly practice-guiding 'expert systems' -- for the benefit of both doctors and patients everywhere. Each of these systems (discipline-specific) would, prompted by a particular type of case presentation, present the doctor a questionnaire specific to cases of the type at issue, and document the doctor's answers to the questions. If at issue would be a case of complaint about a (particular type of) sickness, the system would translate the resulting diagnostic profile of the case into the corresponding probabilities of the illnesses to be considered. Similarly, if at issue would be an already-diagnosed case of a particular illness, the system would ask about, and record, the relevant elements in the prognostic profile of the case and then translate this profile into the probabilities of various outcomes to be considered, probabilities specific to the choice of treatment and prospective time in addition to that profile. And besides, these systems would analogously address the causal origin -- etiogenesis -- of cases of particular types of illness. While the requisite knowledge-base for these systems -- notably for the probabilities in them -- has not been addressed by such 'patient-oriented' clinical research as has been conducted (very extensively) up to now, this book delineates the nature of the suitably-transformed research (gnostic). The critically-transformative innovation in the research is the studies' focus on Gnostic Probability Functions -- dia-, etio-, and prognostic -- in the framework of logistic regression models. This book also presents a vision of how this critically-transformative research would most expeditiously be provided for and also conducted, among select sets of academic teaching hospitals.

The Oxford Textbook of Clinical Research Ethics is the first systematic and comprehensive reference on clinical research ethics. Under the editorship of experts from the National Institutes of Health of the United States, the book offers a wide-ranging and systematic examination of all aspects of research with human beings. Considering historical triumphs of research as well as tragedies, the textbook provides a framework for analysing the ethical aspects of research studies with human beings. Through both conceptual analysis and systematic reviews of empirical data, the textbook examines issues ranging from scientific validity, fair subject selection, risk benefit ratio, independent review, and informed consent as well as focused consideration of international research ethics, conflicts of interests and other aspects of responsible conduct of research. The editors of The Oxford Textbook of Clinical Research Ethics offer a work that critically assesses and advances scholarship in the field of human subjects research with human beings.

The definitive resource for psychological diagnosis, updated with the latest research Adult Psychopathology and Diagnosis offers comprehensive coverage of psychological disorders and presents a balanced integration of empirical data and diagnostic criteria to aid in understanding diagnosis and psychopathology. Designed to support students of clinical psychology, counseling, nursing, and social work, this invaluable resource merges overviews, case studies, and examination of individual disorders in an accessible format that facilitates easy reference. Broad-reaching issues such as interviewing and cross cultural considerations are discussed in detail for their effect on the clinical presentation of every disorder and case studies illustrate how diagnoses are reached and applied in real-world clinical settings. Updated to reflect the latest advances in research, this new 8th Edition includes new coverage of personality disorders, a new chapter on the Research Diagnostic Criteria (RDOC), new authors for a number of the chapters, and contributions by leaders in the field to provide students with exceptional insight into psychopathology and diagnosis. Get up to date on the latest research based on DSM-5 categorization Easily locate and retain information with a proven chapter structure Examine a new alternative DSM-5 model for personality disorders Include cross-cultural considerations throughout investigation and diagnosis In clarifying DSM-5 classification and diagnostic guidelines while integrating leading-edge research with a case study approach, this book provides the most complete, most up-to-date reference for graduate students and practitioners alike. Thorough coverage of essential topics such as neurological foundations, dual diagnoses, eating disorders, anxiety, gender issues and more provides both theoretical insight as well as practical understanding, making Adult Psychopathology and Diagnosis once again a top resource for the field.

Topics include: History of Allergy; Epidemiology of Allergy; Types of Rhinitis; Differential Diagnosis including Allergy Mimics; Immunology; Physical Findings in Allergy; Diagnosis including lab testing and physical examination; Associated Conditions and Comorbidities; Role of Allergy in Serous Otitis Media; Role of Allergy in Meneire's Syndrome; Asthma; Polyposis; Allergic Fungal Sinusitis; Treatment – Environmental Controls; Pharmacotherapy; Traditional Immunotherapy; Sublingual (SLIT) Immunotherapy; The Allergic March; Surgical Treatment of Allergies; Inhalant Allergies in Children; Food Allergies in Adults and Children.

It presents the works of the majority of significant and insignificant authors from each period in a way that is exhaustive. In addition to providing a biographical and historical examination of each work, this book illustrates the development of the English language from its inception up to its widespread use in literature. A history of the literature that has been published in the English language is both thorough and ordered. Starting with the pre-Chaucerian period and continuing up to the present day, the area of study known as the History of English Literature follows, systematically and sequentially, both the development of English as a language and the formation of various sub-fields within the subject of English Literature. It does this by starting with the pre-Chaucerian period and continuing up to the present day. This book overall is to provide an overview of English literary history, beginning in the Middle Ages and continuing up to the current day. The categories, genres, and timeframes that are used in such studies most commonly have been preserved and boxed items have been added that emphasize particular 'moments' in this history's progression. A look at how English literature has evolved over the span of several centuries from its early stages. The book starts with the literature of the Old English period and finishes with literature from the middle of the 20th century. The growth of English literature is tracked through each era and how it evolved throughout the course of history is discussed. It analyzes the most important literary genres of each age, such as poetry, prose, and theatre, as well as its renowned proponents, and it gives a comprehensive list of the remarkable works that were created during that time.

Research, in its broadest sense, may be thought of as the process of systematically collecting and analyzing data to gain a deeper understanding of a topic. The research employs methodical approaches to address theoretical and applied concerns. "Studiously inquiring or examining; investigating or experimenting to discover & interpret facts, revise the accepted theories or laws in light of the new facts, or put such new or revised theories or laws into practical application" is how the Oxford English Dictionary defines research. Some individuals see research as a progression, one that moves from the familiar to the unfamiliar. Inquisitiveness is a fundamental human trait since it compels us to wonder and investigate to get a deeper and deeper grasp of the world around us. Curiosity is the seed from which all knowledge grows, and the process by which humans learn about the world is what we call study. The word "research" must be used in a specialized context since it refers to a scholarly endeavour. Therefore, research is the original addition to the body of knowledge that contributes to its development. Science is the methodical investigation of the world via the use of analogy, comparison, and experiment. Research, in a nutshell, is the pursuit of answers to questions via the use of a methodical, objective process. Research also includes the methodical process of drawing broad conclusions and developing a hypothesis.

Genetics research with stored human tissues provides many benefits and holds much promise. Yet how this critical research is conducted sometimes raises serious ethical, legal, and social concerns, and it is difficult to balance the promise of biomedical research with our time-honored commitments to individual choice in such fundamental matters as control over personal health information and the disposition of our bodily tissues. Weir and Olick provide a thorough analysis of this critical phase in the era of genomic medicine. While strongly supportive of the biomedical research enterprise, they develop a critique of many common research practices with banked tissues, DNA, and genetic data. Noting numerous examples of beneficial human tissue research, they focus on problematic research practices, controversial cases, and federal and institutional policies that limit the informed choices of patients and research participants. The authors offer a series of recommendations intended to limit the risks of inadequate informed consent to research for individuals, families, and groups, and to strengthen the bonds of trust between the research enterprise and the public upon which biomedical progress depends. This book offers a wealth of information plus well-reasoned recommendations that will be of keen interest to geneticists, other biomedical scientists, research institutions, policymakers, students and others. It will serve as a clarion call to move beyond traditional policies and practices toward a richer understanding of partnership between patients and research participants and the biomedical research enterprise - a partnership for the benefit of all.

This unique book presents a framework for the strategy and methodology of diagnostic research, in relation to its relevance for practice. Now in its second edition The Evidence Base of Clinical Diagnosis has been fully revised and extended with new chapters covering the STARD guidelines (STAndards for the Reporting of Diagnostic accuracy studies) and the multivariable analysis of diagnostic data. With contributions from leading international experts in evidence-based medicine, this book is an indispensable guide on how to conduct and interpret studies in clinical diagnosis. It will serve as a valuable resource for all investigators who want to embark on diagnostic research and for clinicians, practitioners and students who want to learn more about its principles and the relevant methodological options available.

Key Topics in Surgical Research and Methodology represents a comprehensive reference text accessible to the surgeon embarking on an academic career. Key themes emphasize and summarize the text. Four key elements are covered, i.e. Surgical Research, Research Methodology, Practical Problems and Solutions on Research as well as Recent Developments and Future Prospects in Surgical Research and Practice.