This reference contains 100 entries arranged alphabetically by condition or disease. Each includes a definition and description; discussions of causes and symptoms, diagnosis, treatment (including alternative therapies), prognosis, and prevention; and contact information for numerous national, regional, and state organizations. Though directed to the general reader, the information includes quite thorough descriptions of tests used in diagnosis and medications and their side effects. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
Die Inhaltsangabe kann sich auf eine andere Ausgabe dieses Titels beziehen.
One hundred medical conditions are included in this guide, both physical (AIDS, cancer) and psychiatric (bipolar disorder, bulimia). The alphabetically arranged chapters contain essays that describe and define each disorder, followed by lists of supporting associations, agencies, organizations, clinics, and treatment centers.
Thorough information is provided for each condition. The chapter on breast cancer defines the clinical stages of the disease and explains the commonly used diagnostic methods and current treatment procedures. Specific drugs are listed along with their purpose, how they work, and any potential side effects. The narrative portion of each chapter is generally two pages in length, but the extent of the resource lists varies. Five organizations are found in the chapter on chronic fatigue syndrome, while more than 50 national organizations are listed for multiple sclerosis, followed by regional organizations and a state-by-state directory of clinics. Entries for state and regional organizations and clinics include address, telephone and fax numbers, and e-mail addresses. The entries for national organizations are straight out of Gale's Encyclopedia of Associations but without the details on membership, staff, meetings, and so on. There is duplication between chapters, especially for organizations that cover more than one disease.
A glossary defines words and concepts that appear within the essays. A section called "Subject Cross Reference" links topics such as aging and cancer to appropriate chapters. All organization and resource names, as well as former and alternate names, are listed in the index.
Information is well organized and easily accessed, and the combination of essays and resource lists is useful. The volume will be a useful tool in public and consumer-health libraries and in colleges with a health-sciences curriculum.
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
„Über diesen Titel“ kann sich auf eine andere Ausgabe dieses Titels beziehen.