About this ebook
This clear-sighted, interdisciplinary and integrative volume goes beyond cataloguing symptoms or sorting legitimate from fraudulent cases—its emphasis is on early detection of risk and management to prevent injury from developing into long-term disability. Editors Schultz and Gatchel and their 49 expert contributors offer lucid evaluations of the scientific and clinical literature to repair the mind/body split that has traditionally defined this field: (1) Conceptual and methodological issues in the prediction of disability. (2) Biopsychosocial perspectives on the most prevalent disabling conditions, including chronic pain syndromes, repetitive strain injuries, depression, anxiety, traumatic brain injury, and posttraumatic stress disorder. (3) Application of clinical findings to the rehabilitation, disability management, occupational and compensation arenas, and return-to-work practices. (4) In-depth discussion of the relationship between impairment and work disability. (5) Specific evidence-based early intervention approaches for workers and patients at risk.
A book that synthesizes so many diverse viewpoints has the potential to influence both policy and practice across disciplines and cut through politicization of these still poorly understood conditions with evidence. The Handbook is important reading for all clinicians, professionals, and members of rehabilitation and disability management teams, across healthcare, occupational and compensation settings.
