Best Medical Psychology Pathologies Books of 2026

The Myth of Normal by Gabor Maté is a thought-provoking investigation into the causes of illness and a critique of how our society breeds disease. Maté argues that trauma, stress, and the pressures of modern-day living are often ignored in Western medicine, resulting in chronic illnesses and general ill health. The book offers a compassionate guide for health and healing, connecting the dots between the maladies of individuals and the declining soundness of society. The Myth of Normal is a must-read for anyone interested in personal transformation and self-help books.

Truth and Repair: How Trauma Survivors Envision Justice is a powerful manifesto by Judith L. Herman, one of America's most influential psychiatrists. The book argues that the conventional retributive process fails to serve most survivors of sexual violence and trauma, and offers an alternative vision of justice as healing for survivors and their communities. Herman commits the radical act of listening to survivors and recounts their stories to envision a new path to justice for all. This deeply researched and compassionately told book is a vital text for understanding the processes that underlie trauma and recovery.

Smart but Scattered: The Revolutionary "Executive Skills" Approach to Helping Kids Reach Their Potential is a comprehensive guide to help parents and teachers manage children's executive skills. The book offers easy-to-follow steps to identify a child's strengths and weaknesses, use activities and techniques to boost specific skills, and problem-solve daily routines. The book is filled with real-world examples and solutions, making it an easy and accessible read. This book is a great resource for parents of children who are struggling with executive skills and provides practical and detailed advice. Overall, it offers hope for children who are struggling and empowers parents to make small changes that can lead to big improvements.

The Thriving with ADHD Workbook for Kids is a great resource for parents looking for engaging activities to help their children manage and regulate their ADHD. This workbook is designed for children ages 7 to 12 and includes skill-building exercises and action-oriented learning to help kids reframe the way they think about ADHD. What sets this book apart is its strength-based approach, which helps kids see their ADHD as a special asset rather than a hindrance. Overall, this practical workbook is a must-have for parents, teachers, and counselors of children with ADHD.

The Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy: Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures is an authoritative and comprehensive book on EMDR therapy. This revised and expanded edition covers over 15 years of important advances in therapy and research, including additional applications for complex trauma, addictions, and post-disaster response. The book provides training materials, vivid vignettes, transcripts, and reproducible forms. It is recognized as a best practice for the treatment of PTSD by various health care associations and institutes around the world. Overall, this book is an essential resource for clinicians interested in EMDR therapy and its applications.

My Grandmother's Hands by Resmaa Menakem is a groundbreaking book that examines the damage caused by racism in America from the perspective of trauma and body-centered psychology. Menakem argues that racism is deeply embedded in our bodies and until we heal the generational anguish of white supremacy, the destruction will continue. The book offers a step-by-step healing process based on the latest neuroscience and somatic healing methods, in addition to incisive social commentary. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the impact of racism on our bodies and minds and how to heal from it.

What My Bones Know by Stephanie Foo is a powerful and thoroughly researched memoir that explores the science behind complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD). Foo, an award-winning radio producer, shares her personal experience with C-PTSD and how it affected her health, relationships, and career. She interviews scientists and psychologists, tries innovative therapies, and uncovers family secrets to learn how trauma can be inherited through generations. The book is a brave and enlightening narrative that provides hope for those who long to heal. Overall, this memoir is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the impact of trauma on one's life.

The CBT Toolbox for Children and Adolescents is a comprehensive workbook that offers over 200 worksheets, exercises, and activities to help children cope with and overcome a range of struggles, including trauma, ADHD, autism, anxiety, depression, and conduct disorders. Written by experienced clinicians and teachers, this practical and easy-to-use resource is adapted from cognitive behavioral therapy and includes client activities that children can do themselves, either in-session or as homework. The book is authored by Lisa Weed Phifer, Amanda K Crowder, Tracy Elsenraat, and Robert Hull, and published by PESI Publishing, Inc. It's an excellent resource for parents, therapists, and educators who work with children and adolescents.

The DSM-5 Overview is a concise yet comprehensive guide to the updated Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders Fifth Edition. It provides an overview of the most relevant aspects of the handbook, making it an excellent reference tool for students and healthcare professionals alike. The book is part of the Quickstudy Reference Guides brand, known for its practical and easy-to-understand approach to complex topics. Overall, the DSM-5 Overview is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the study and practice of mental health disorders.

The fourth edition of "Taking Charge of ADHD: The Complete, Authoritative Guide for Parents" by Russell A. Barkley is a must-have resource for parents of children with ADHD. The book provides the latest information and resources on the disorder, including a proven eight-step behavior management plan, tips for building academic and social skills, and advice on how to work with school and healthcare professionals. The book also includes a new chapter on health risks associated with ADHD and practical tools for parents. Dr. Barkley's compassionate approach and wealth of experience make this book a valuable guide for parents.