The American Psychiatric Publishing Textbook of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 3rd ed.

In the tradition set by the two earlier editions of this volume, Wiener and Dulcan have assembled an outstanding set of contributors to provide a comprehensive overview of child psychiatry. Before his untimely death Dr. Wiener had helped in shaping and editing this book.

Like its two predecessors, the current edition aims for a combination of current research and clinical relevance. Also in keeping with this tradition, the 56 chapters are well organized and “user friendly”—a quality that will be appreciated by students and others searching for a current and practical introduction to the field.

The volume is organized into 10 sections: The Field of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: An Overview; Assessment and Diagnosis; Developmental Disorders; Schizophrenia, Other Psychotic Disorders, and Mood Disorders; Attention-Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders; Anxiety Disorders; Eating Disorders; Disorders Affecting Somatic Functioning; Other Disorders and Special Issues; and Treatment. Many chapters have been extensively revised in the light of newer research findings. Several chapters are totally new, including those on cultural aspects of child psychiatry, genetic testing, and economic issues. The book provides extensive coverage of diagnostic interviews and new developments in assessment as well as very helpful summaries of adjustment, substance abuse, and physical and sexual abuse. The treatment section offers particularly good coverage of recent developments in treatment, with a strong emphasis on the empirical research basis of these treatments. The volume is extremely well edited and organized and very easy to read.

It is fortunate that readers now have a choice of three major textbooks of child and adolescent psychiatry (1, 2). The issue of which of these books to purchase (if only one is to be purchased) is not an easy one. There is overlap to varying degrees in coverage and authorship among all three books. Compared with its competitors, The American Psychiatric Publishing Textbook of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry most closely relates to DSM-IV and will be of great value to readers who desire a highly readable and well-organized text that emphasizes current research and essential knowledge. This volume stands as a fitting memorial to Dr. Wiener.

Reprints are not available; however, Book Forum reviews can be downloaded at http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org.