Complex partial seizures and their treatment

310 search relating to depressive illness. The book includes recent findings on the biochemical changes involving neuroendocrinology, neurotransmitters, electrolytes, cell membrane function, genetics, neuronal receptors and clinical pharmacology observed in patients with clinical depressions and mania. However, this book is not solely for the pure scientist as the chapters on wider implications and practical applications show. There is also an excellent contribution by Dr. Ming T. Tsuang on the genetics of affective disorders, and a very pertinent review of clinical research strategies in affective illness by Dr. Bernard J. Carroll. The book ends with a postscript by the Editor who succeeds admirably in bringing together the various contributions, indicating at the same time points of overlap and interconnection. Some of the work described must necessarily remain controversial at the present time and calls for elaboration and expansion. However, the usefulness of some of the models is emphasised as is the view that new concepts must be sought in order to unravel the mystery which essentially still surrounds many of the problems of affective disorders. Kurt Schapira

Complex Partial Seizures and Their Treatment ( A d v a n c e s in N e u r o l o g y , Vol. 11), by J. Kiffin P e n r y a n d D . D . D a l y (Eds.), xiv -t- 472 pages, 72 i l l u s t r a t i o n s , 43 tables, R a v e n Press, N e w Y o r k , N . Y . , 1975, U S $ 1 9 . 7 5 .

This collection of papers arises out of a workshop on the subject organised by Drs. Penry and Daly in November 1974. There are excellent clinical accounts (Daly, Stevens and Dreifuss) and summaries of the physiology of the limbic system (Gloor); Chronister and White describe some of the anatomical problems in defining the boundaries and connections of the limbic lobe in which complex partial seizures are generated. Reviews of surgical treatment (Rasmussen) and physiological problems (Rodin) are helpful chapters. Approximately one third of the volume is devoted to the pharmacology and therapeutic effects of carbamazepine which now seems to be high on the list of preferred drugs (Parsonage and Gamstorp). Dalby, in discussing carbamazepine, critically reviews the diffmulties of assessing the results of giving a drug which accelerates phenytoin metabolism, interacts with phenobarbital, improves the control of seizures and possibly has psychotropic actions. The discussions have been printed almost verbatim and this introduces an anecdotal stream into an otherwise very well-documented volume. The study of complex partial seizures illuminates the anatomy and physiology of human emotion; this volume will help many workers to clarify their ideas about the pathology and treatment of epilepsy. I found it a fascinating book. R. G. Willison

The Practice of Mental Health Consultation, by F. V. M a n n i n o , B. W. M a c L e n n a n a n d M . F. S h o r e (Eds.), x + 255 pages, G a r d n e r Press, Inc., N e w Y o r k , N . Y . , 1975, US$15.95,

£ 8.00.

There are "consultants" in various fields including many working outside medicine, but perhaps only in the field of mental health would an attempt be made to analyse and categoris¢ the consultation process. Mental health consultation is defined as the provision of technical assistance by an expert to individual and agency carcgivers related to the mental health dimensions of their work, Itis directed to specific problems, is advisory in nature and the consultant has no direct responsibility for its acceptance and implementation, It is offered by a mental health specialist to other tess oxpert mental health workers or to specialists in other fields who need assistance in the management o f mental health and human relations problems