Advanced Abnormal Child Psychology

There was a time when abnormal child psychology was the stepchild of abnormal psychology, with perhaps one or two chapters in an entire advanced textbook devoted to issues concerning children. Given the explosive amount of new developmental research since the 1980s, the stepchild status obviously no longer applies. The editors have assembled the present text integrating both empirical and clinical issues and maintaining the spirit of empiricism that fortunately now pervades the field.

A comprehensive account of the nature, causes, and assessment and treatment of child psychopathology, this textbook is geared toward the advanced undergraduate or beginning graduate student. It provides state-of-the-art reviews of the critical areas in abnormal child psychology written by leading experts in the field. Balancing both theory and treatment, and relying primarily on the empirical literature, the book addresses both psychological and biological determinants and strategies. Chapter authors have used structural formats which enhance the text's readability and utility.

The first section of the text provides an overview of advanced abnormal child psychology, outlining the contributions from a variety of directions including:
* historical developments, essentially documenting both the neglect and abuse that children suffered at the hands of society well into the 20th century;
* developmental psychopathology as a theoretical framework to guide research and clinical efforts;
* psychophysiological determinants of behavior, with special attention focused on childhood autism, and attention deficit and antisocial conduct disorders; and
* theoretical, methodological, and practical considerations involved in determining investigatory paths including sampling, design selection, measurement, data analysis, and pragmatics.

The second section addresses assessment and treatment issues in abnormal child behavior. Coverage includes:
* behavioral treatment of childhood disorders and multiple case examples of commonly used techniques;
* new developments in pharmacological treatment and sound guidelines for the consideration of pharmacotherapy; and
* community prevention techniques including an examination of theoretical formulations and a review of preventive interventions.

The final section examines specific disorders of childhood and adolescence as follows:
* anxiety disorders, affective and mood disorders, mental retardation, autism, specific developmental disorders, conduct disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and eating disorders;
* psychological aspects of pediatric disorders--interventions tailored to the needs of the child and family to maximize adaptation and recovery; and
* substance use disorders--ranging from models emphasizing social influences to those focusing on biological vulnerabilities.