Described as 'truly outstanding' by The New England Journal of Medicine and 'a gold standard for our field' by the American Journal of Psychiatry, the second edition of this flagship textbook has been extensively revised and updated to reflect progress and understanding in the field. Written by extremely well-known and highly regarded experts, it takes a patient-centered approach, presenting information on normal development and then the behaviour, signs and symptoms of disordered behaviour. Its excellence of authorship, depth and breadth of coverage set it apart as a truly impressive reference that will be indispensable for all those involved in the treatment psychiatric disorders. Covering new and developing topics and treatments that have emerged since publication of the first edition, PSYCHIATRY, Second Edition incorporates: * more than 20 new chapters including: neural development mechanism of neural transmitter action global perspectives pathophysiology of addictions hallucinogen abuse premenstrual dysphoric disorder * significant updates on psychiatric disorders and their treatment, including: schizophrenia bipolar disorders * extensive revision of the scientific foundations of psychiatry * references updated to include the literature up until 2002 * the DSM-IV and ICD diagnostic classification systems All previous edition chapters have been completely re-written and expanded to include current clinical practices and basic mechanisms in psychiatric disorders and therapeutics. This new edition also includes important features such as: * tables, charts and illustrations to highlight key information * clinical vignettes to illustrate current clinical practice * diagnostic and treatment decision trees to help both the novice and experienced reader * extensive references directing the reader to further information and reading for each topic PSYCHIATRY, Second Edition will be indispensable for all those involved in the treatment of psychiatric disorders: * from clinicians at all levels of experience * to medical students wanting a quick review * and health care professionals Acclaim for the first edition: "PSYCHIATRY is also noteworthy for the extraordinary breadth of topics covered. ... I was highly impressed by the depth of discussion, excellent tables and graphics, and extensive references. .. The chapters on the various psychiatric disorders and their treatment are written by eminent clinicians and researchers and are extraordinarily comprehensive." Review by J. Kocsis MD in JAMA (June 1997) "More than 200 extremely well-known and highly regarded experts, many of them luminaries, have contributed chapters. [The Editors] are men whose credentials reach high into the academic and research stratosphere ... Extremely user-friendly.... PSYCHIATRY is a wonderfully conceived and beautifully executed textbook. Each time I open it, I am more impressed by the quality of work of the authors and editors. They have given us the gift of a gold standard for our field." Review by S. Vinogradov MD in American Journal of Psychiatry (August 2000) "a truly outstanding textbook - in my view the best current textbook of psychiatry...This is a wonderful book. I urge all practicing psychiatrists, and especially all residents to purchase this book and read it." Reviewed by L. Wells PH. D, MD in The New England Journal of Medicine 1997 Read Less