In detailing the largest and most significant research study of its type (i.e. The MacArthur Study of Mental Disorder and Violence), Rethinking Risk Assessment describes what is surely to become the seminal work in the area violence and mental illness. The authors point to the methodological flaws in many earlier studies that failed to establish clear links between mental illness and violence. It moves beyond previous studies to point to a clear link between serious mental illness and an increased risk of violence.

Although based upon a North American population (i.e. with its higher societal rates of violence generally) the size of the study, and the relationships it demonstrates suggest that this work has significant implications for other jurisdictions. The book illustrates tools clinicians can use to assist with identification of those with higher for risk of violence.

Although actuarial methods do not offer a panacea for problems associated with risk prediction, they nevertheless provide pointers for increasing the precision with which such assessments can be made. Monahan et. al. acknowledge the limitations of such methods, and point to the complexity of clinical risk assessment for violence potential. The authors also point to the broader contextual, and problematic issues associated with false positives and negatives, in terms of prediction.

Armed with the information contained within this text, clinical staff will have a thorough grounding in the most up to date evidence in the field. This should provide a solid foundation from which staff can approach the complex issue of considering risk assessment generally.

it served no purpose to me except to act as a directory of building addresses

If you are shopping for a condo in Manhattan, this book will be very interesting because as you know, there is a huge maze of co-ops and if you want a condo, you'll need this book to weed them out of the crowd.

While the book shows great photos of the buildings, and maps of NY, and tells you the year built and/or converted to condo, the statistical data on sold apartments runs 12/96 thru 5/98. Since Manhattan condo prices tend to go up anywhere from 15% to 65% per year, the sales data will always be incorrect -- and you'll have no way to ballpark any "real" numbers.

You MUST buy the Sunday NY Times or search the Sunday NY Times on-line classifieds (it's called nytoday.com) over a period of weeks to accurately determine the asking prices of condos. Forget the sales data in this book and use the book for all other superficial information around choosing neighborhoods and buildings, and viewing apartments.

A final note: don't believe the brokers. They will all tell you that the sellers are all getting their asking prices plus 10% during the typical bidding wars that take place over NYC apartments. Nonsense. Bid what you think the apartment is worth and if they won't sell it to you for that price, move on. There are always apartments going up for sale and the next one will be yours!

Excellent book on Manhattan Condo buildings. Needs to have updated sales numbers for each building.