The lack of ability to empathize is central to many psychiatric conditions, but it can be measured and improved. This book, first published in 2007, specifically focuses on the role of empathy in mental illness. Mental heath professionals will find this a very useful encapsulation of the role of empathy in mental health.

The lack of ability to emphathize is central to many psychiatric conditions. Empathy is affected by neurodevelopment, brain pathology and psychiatric illness. Empathy is both a state and a trait characteristic. Empathy is measurable by neuropsychological assessment and neuroimaging techniques. This book, first published in 2007, specifically focuses on the role of empathy in mental illness. It starts with the clinical psychiatric perspective and covers empathy in the context of mental illness, adult health, developmental course, and explanatory models. Psychiatrists, psychotherapists and mental heath professionals will find this a very useful reference for their work.

Review of the hardback: 'The foreword is recommended first read to prevent losing one's way, as it serves as an excellent and quite thorough tour guide. ? As an uninitiated reader, this book has succeeded in evoking interest in this comprehensive area. But also for active researchers within this field, this edited book provides an overview and literature references to other current research approaches.' Journal of Psychosomatic Research