Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: Modern Approaches

This formidable tome has 64 chapter headings with at least that many authors and coauthors. In addition to the three hardcover editions, there have been three paperback versions—which all adds up to a popular, practical resource. Because it leads the reader step-by-step, presumably the book intends to inform both young and seasoned professionals. The chapters average about 20 pages each. The bibliographies are extensive. I will try to give a useful line or two about most subjects covered. However, because I am closely following the arrangement of the book, the review's structure may seem somewhat nonsequential. In "Psychiatric Interviewing," we are warned that leading questions have almost no place, since children have short memories. Should the same clinician interview both children and parents? Yes, to avoid the splitting of issues. The early chapter "Diagnostic Appraisal" is too roundabout. A later chapter emphasizes, in every case, history and physical examination with