Child Psychiatry

All aspects of child psychiatric disorders, including assessment and treatment, are covered in this text. The topics are of relevance to child health workers in paediatrics, community child health, psychiatry, and primary health care. The introductory section of the book provides an overview of the subject, and a discussion of classification of the psychiatric and psychological disorders of childhood. This is followed by a description of the development of normal and abnormal parental behaviour, including physical and sexual child abuse. The next section discusses the development of normal and abnormal patterns of child development in areas such as feeding, sleeping, social relationships, and speech and language. Psychosocial aspects of different physical conditions occurring in childhood are discussed, and there are sections on treatment and services. Throughout the text, an attempt is made to provide clear descriptions of the various behavioural and emotional problems children show, and to suggest, using case examples, practical ways in which children and families can be helped.