Dwarfism: Medical and Psychosocial Aspects of Profound Short Stature

by Betty M. Adelson PhD, Judith G. Hall OC MD

Overview

This landmark volume is the first to trace the exciting developments in the field of dwarfism research and treatment over the past century—particularly during the past fifty years. Dr. Betty M. Adelson, a psychologist, has unearthed and synthesized the most significant information about dwarfing conditions, from articles written a century ago to current books and specialized databases.

Highlighting the outstanding contributions of Dr. Victor McKusick and several of his colleagues, Dr. Adelson reveals how dwarfism specialists have helped redefine the nature of medical care—transforming it from an authoritarian enterprise into a holistic, collaborative venture among physicians, affected individuals, and their families.

The parent of an adult dwarf daughter, Adelson examines the social forces that affect the dwarfism community. She offers personal descriptions of the day-to-day challenges dwarf individuals face and portrays their accomplishments. Insightful and accessible, this work will prove a valuable resource for affected individuals, their families, and medical professionals—physicians, nurses, genetic counselors, social workers, psychologists, and medical students.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780801881220
Publisher:	Johns Hopkins University Press
Publication date:	08/01/2005
Pages:	368
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.95(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Betty M. Adelson spent most of her career as a psychologist in private practice. She was formerly on the counseling staffs of Queens College and New York University's School of Education. She is the author of a cultural history, The Lives of Dwarfs: Their Journey from Public Curiosity toward Social Liberation.

Read an Excerpt

"This book is one of the best, most thorough overviews published on dwarfism-related topics. The text is well written, but from the heart, in a way that makes it particularly useful for those who appreciate having scholarly information presented within a meaningful personal and social context. This is a volume that everyone dealing with short stature will want to read and then keep for future reference."—From the foreword by Judith G. Hall, O.C., M.D.

Table of Contents

Foreword, by Judith G. Hall, O.C., M.D.
Preface
Introduction
1. Medical Aspects
2. Psychosocial Aspects
3. The Birth of a Child: Parent Issues and Outreach
4. Organizations: From Self-Help to Advocacy
5. Lives Today
Appendixes
1. Dwarfism: Conditions and Descriptions
2. Resources: Medical and Support Groups
Notes
Index

What People are Saying About This

C. Angela Van Etten

This book is extraordinary. It goes beyond descriptive listings of dwarfism diagnoses, treatments, and organizations to provide personal profiles and divergent opinions of doctors, dwarfs, and parents throughout the world and through the ages. The comprehensive research presents medical and social issues that excite and dismay. It stimulates the desire to read every word and to continue the search for answers to the questions that remain unanswered.

— C. Angela Van Etten, Little People of America; author of Dwarfs Don't Live in Doll Houses

Charles I. Scott

Identifies the personal and intimate relationship between medical practice and those who have been affected by various types of dwarfism. The author explores both the problems faced and the progress made in the development of scientific and medical aspects, as well as the personal struggles and achievements of those who have these rare conditions. An excellent study.

— Charles I. Scott, M.D., Alfred I. DuPont Hospital for Children, Nemours Foundation

From the Publisher

Identifies the personal and intimate relationship between medical practice and those who have been affected by various types of dwarfism. The author explores both the problems faced and the progress made in the development of scientific and medical aspects, as well as the personal struggles and achievements of those who have these rare conditions. An excellent study.
—Charles I. Scott, M.D., Alfred I. DuPont Hospital for Children, Nemours Foundation

This book is extraordinary. It goes beyond descriptive listings of dwarfism diagnoses, treatments, and organizations to provide personal profiles and divergent opinions of doctors, dwarfs, and parents throughout the world and through the ages. The comprehensive research presents medical and social issues that excite and dismay. It stimulates the desire to read every word and to continue the search for answers to the questions that remain unanswered.
—C. Angela Van Etten, Little People of America; author of Dwarfs Don't Live in Doll Houses

Editorial Reviews

A great leap forward for the social and cultural condition of dwarfism.
—Andrew Solomon, author of The Noonday Demon: An Atlas of Depression, Newsday

Adelson presents tactful techniques and definite guidance, including what not to do.
—Michael A. Schmidt, MD, PhD, JAMA

One of the best, most thorough overviews published on dwarfism and related topics.
—Gad B. Kletter, M.D., New England Journal of Medicine

I strongly recommend this book: its insights are unique, and it should prove of value to affected individuals, their families, and the healthcare professionals participating in their care.
—David E. Sandberg, American Journal of Human Biology

From the Publisher

One of the best, most thorough overviews published on dwarfism and related topics.

New England Journal of Medicine - Gad B. Kletter

Adelson presents tactful techniques and definite guidance, including what not to do.

JAMA - Michael A. Schmidt

I strongly recommend this book: its insights are unique, and it should prove of value to affected individuals, their families, and the healthcare professionals participating in their care.

American Journal of Human Biology - David E. Sandberg

A great leap forward for the social and cultural condition of dwarfism.

Newsday - Andrew Solomon

I strongly recommend this book: its insights are unique, and it should prove of value to affected individuals, their families, and the healthcare professionals participating in their care.

— David E. Sandberg

American Journal of Human Biology

Adelson presents tactful techniques and definite guidance, including what not to do.

— Michael A. Schmidt, MD, PhD

JAMA

One of the best, most thorough overviews published on dwarfism and related topics.

— Gad B. Kletter, M.D.

New England Journal of Medicine

A great leap forward for the social and cultural condition of dwarfism.

— Andrew Solomon, author of The Noonday Demon: An Atlas of Depression

Newsday