Mental health problems are becoming increasingly common, ranging in severity from transient stress reactions to those that have a serious impact on day-to-day living.

The medicalisation of daily problems is a prevalent issue and a book that helps people understand the nature of different mental health conditions can help enlighten attitudes to mental illness, making for an empowering read.

Fears, Phobias and Fantasies, written by well-known psychiatrist Patricia Casey, deals with the organisation of psychiatric services, offering guidance on how to gain access to a mental health professional, the consultation process, the various psychiatric disorders and the legal and ethical issues in mental health. It seeks to clarify the various symptoms and therapies, and explore some of the common myths surrounding mental illness.

A handy reference guide full of case vignettes and tips on how family and friends can best help, this book is accessible to the non-medical reader, and to those who either suffer with mental health problems or who are caring for somebody who does.

“Professor Casey’s book is a welcome aid to the general public to allow it to learn more about mental health and ill health and be able to understand the complex dynamics at play when someone’s mental health is challenged or seriously affected.” – John Saunders (CEO, Shine – Supporting People Affected by Mental Ill Health)

“An essential resource for anyone concerned about mental health, mental illness and how psychiatric treatment works. Professor Patricia Casey writes with knowledge, clarity and empathy. Buy it, read it, keep it.” – Brendan Kelly (Professor of Psychiatry, Trinity College Dublin)

“If I had a family member or a friend who needed help, I’d make sure they and their family had this book. It contains fantastic hope-inspiring service user perspectives. It will be a great resource for schools, colleges, parents, friends and patients.” – Dr Martin Mahon (Honorary Senior Lecturer RCSI and Chief Examiner for College of Psychiatrists of Ireland)

About the Author

Patricia Casey is a Consultant Psychiatrist at the Hermitage Medical Clinic, Dublin and Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry at UCD. She was also a former consultant at the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin. She has authored 13 academic books and published numerous scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals. She is a columnist with the Irish Independent.

Sample chapters from Fears, Phobias & Fantasies:

What Happens at a Psychiatric Consultation?

Case Vignette: The Lived Experience – Thoughts out of control (OCD)

Case Vignette: The Lived Experience – A diagnosis of ADHD in an adult