Advances in Psychotherapy Series: Autism Spectrum Disorder and Headache

The latest editions of the Advances in Psychotherapy – Evidence-Based Practice Book Series (Hogrefe Publishing) include Autism Spectrum Disorder and Headache.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (Vol. 29, 2015) by Joseph, Soorya, and thrum (ISBN 978-0-88937-404-1) is a straightforward yet authoritative guide to effective diagnosis and empirically supported treatments for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The book starts by reviewing DSM-5 and ICD-10 diagnostic criteria, current theories and models, and prevalence rates for ASD and related neurodevelopmental disorders. It explains the differences between the disorders and changes in criteria and names (such as Asperger’s syndrome, childhood and atypical autism, pervasive developmental disorder, Rett’s syndrome) over time. It then provides clear guidance on evaluation of ASD and comorbidities, with practical outlines and examples to guide practice.

The core of the book that follows is a clear description of current interventions and their empirical support, including psychosocial, pharmacological, educational, social skills, and complementary/alternative treatments. Clinical vignettes and marginal notes highlighting the key points help make it an easy-to-use resource, incorporating the latest scientific research, that is suitable for all mental health providers dealing with autism spectrum disorder.

Headache (Vol. 30, 2015) by Smitherman, Penzien, Rains, Nicholson, and Houle (ISBN 978-0-88937-328-0) describes the conceptualization, assessment, and evidence-based behavioral treatment of migraine and tension-type headache – two of the world’s most common medical conditions, and also frequent, highly disabling comorbidities among psychiatric patients.

Headache disorders at their core are neurobiological phenomena, but numerous behavioral factors play an integral role in their onset and maintenance – and many providers are unfamiliar with how to work effectively with these patients to ensure optimal outcomes.

This book, the first major work on behavioral treatment of headache in over 20 years, provides much-needed help: An overview of relevant psychological factors and the behavioral conceptualization of headache is followed by a step-by-step, manual-type guide to implementing behavioral interventions within clinical practice settings. Mental health practitioners and trainees and other healthcare professionals who want to improve their headache patients’ outcomes by supplementing routine medical treatment with empirically supported behavioral strategies will find this book invaluable.