The book is underpinned by the concept of "the craft of caring", where the basis of good nursing practice is considered to be a combination of both art and science, and which encourages nurses to take a holistic approach to the practice of psychiatric and mental health nursing.

Chapters have been completely updated to reflect recent developments in nursing practice and the understanding of mental health disorders. Twelve new chapters have been added, giving more emphasis to certain groups such as children and young people, women, older people, asylum seekers and refugees. Additional coverage of specialist services, such as psychiatric liaison and spiritual care, has been included, and further emphasis is given to psychiatric diagnosis and mental health legislation in relation to human rights.

This is an essential text for all psychiatric and mental health nurses at diploma and degree level, as well as qualified mental health nurses seeking to update their knowledge. It will also be a useful reference for other disciplines such as social work, medicine and psychology.  less