Interventions for Mental Health: An Evidence-based Approach for Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists.

Interventions for Mental Health: An Evidence-based Approach for Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists. Tina Everett, Marie Donaghy, Sally Feaver (eds) 2003, Butterworth-Heinemann (an imprint of Elsevier Australia: www.elsevier.com.au) ISBN 0 7506 4965 8, softcover, 295 pages, RRP NZ$118.69 (incl. GST)

In the introduction to this book, the editors state that rather than update their 1995 book, Physiotherapy in Mental Health: a practical approach, the decision was taken to write a new book which would reflect the current changes and trends in the delivery of services to the mentally ill. Recent developments in the understanding of mental illnesses and the resultant changes in treatment and care are well documented in this book

In the first of three sections, models of mental health disorders are discussed. Descriptions of psychiatric illnesses, in a general framework under headings such as "When does a symptom cluster become an illness?, "What are the characteristics of psychiatric illnesses?" and "What help is available for those with psychiatric illness?", have information applicable to health professionals who see patients exhibiting symptoms or attitudes which cause them concern.

The second section covers generic treatment approaches, introducing physiotherapists to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and occupational therapists to exercise programmes for relieving depression. Each professional is reminded, appropriately, to recognise their professional boundaries but physiotherapists learn that they are using CBT techniques in their routine treatments often without realising it.

In the third section, some specific psychiatric conditions are covered and physiotherapy and occupational therapy interventions are described. The only logic apparent in the inclusion of some, and not other psychiatric illnesses is that topical psychiatric problems are described: mental health problems in children and adolescents, preventing falls in the elderly with dementia, forensic psychiatry, substance abuse, eating disorders, chronic fatigue syndrome, and childhood sexual abuse. Anxiety is a factor in all psychiatric illness but there is no specific mention of anxiety disorders or the role of physiotherapy treatment in controlling anxiety with relaxation and correct breathing patterns. Hyperventilation is only mentioned in a brief case study of an adolescent girl with panic attacks. There is no explanation of somatic or psychological presentation of panic attacks. The disorders or illnesses that are included are well described and the information is easy to read.

There are times when the book seems like a literature review, when topics are referred to but not enlarged upon. When more information would have been interesting, I found this to be annoying, but there is an extensive and recent reference list at the end of every chapter and in some cases a recommended reading list as well. Such a substantial reference list is an asset in itself.

As a high percentage of the general population have a mental health problem at some time there are parts of the book that would be of interest to any health professional, but it will be particularly useful for physiotherapists working with any patients who are mentally disturbed.

Rosemary Mannering, Dip Phty., MNZSP., Cert in Community Psychiatric Care

StressCare Physiotherapy, Christchurch.