Diagnosis and Psychopharmacology of Childhood and Adolescent Disorders

Designed to help mental health practitioners working with children and adolescents make the most well-informed assessment and treatment choices possible, Diagnosis and Psychopharmacology of Childhood and Adolescent Disorders, Second Edition is a comprehensive guide to state-of-the-art diagnosis and psychotropic treatment of childhood and adolescent psychiatric and behavioral disorders. Edited by the past president of the American Psychiatric Association and American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and featuring contributions from a number of leading researchers and clinicians, this authoritative manual covers all major disorders of childhood and adolescence, from ADHD and eating disorders, to anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and psychotic disorders; provides the latest diagnostic and treatment guidelines; includes the most recent information on the relative efficacy and adverse side effects of most psychotropic agents now in use; and closely adheres to the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria throughout. To facilitate easy reference, Diagnosis and Psychopharmacology of Childhood and Adolescent Disorders, Second Edition is organized by major category of disorder. Each disorder-specific chapter features an overview of the phenomenology and epidemiology of the disorder and comprehensive coverage of a variety of treatment modalities. Each chapter also provides a thorough review of psychopharmacological treatmentswith special attention to side effects, clinical usage, efficacy, and prognosis. Despite the rising popularity of drug therapy for childhood and adolescent psychiatric disorders, the prevailing attitude throughout this book is one of caution, with most authors viewing drugs as the treatment of last resort. Careful consideration is given to the differential implications of drug therapy at each stage of development, and the need to factor the developmental stage of each individual patient into the treatment strategy is stressed. Diagnosis and Psychopharmacology of Childhood and Adolescent Disorders, Second Edition is a valuable working resource for child and adolescent psychiatrists, general psychiatrists, pediatricians, general practitioners, and all mental health professionals.