In May 1994 The American Psychiatric Association published the most recent version of DSM-IV, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. DSM-IV is the primary diagnostic reference for mental health professionals in psychiatry, psychology, social work, and nursing. It provides brief descriptions of mental disorders in terms of their primary and associated features, age at onset, typical course, level of impairment, predisposing factors, complications, prevalence, sex ratio, and familial patterns. Although DSM-IV is one of the primary training and reference tools for mental health professionals, its scope and utility are limited. It is explicitly designed to be a diagnostic manual and therefore contains little regarding treatment -- the next step after diagnosis.
Child and Adolescent Psychological Disorders: A Comprehensive Textbook mirrors the organization of DSM-IV but goes beyond a listing of diagnostic criteria by addressing what to do after the diagnosis is made. The text includes selections written by experts in both clinical psychology and psychiatry. Each chapter reviews the current research and provides diagnostic and assessment criteria, treatment recommendations, and assessment strategies for each disorder. An ideal text for courses in child and adolescent psychopathology and clinical psychology, Child and Adolescent Psychological Disorders: A Comprehensive Textbook is also an excellent reference for practitioners.