This comprehensive overview of personality development from inter-utero life through adulthood focuses on the emotional tasks involved at each stage of development and the interplay of internal processes and external circumstances. Central importance is given to attachment and to psychoanalytic concepts such as the Oedipal complex, separation and individuation, and the development of the capacity to think.

Psychopathology in children and adolescents has been extensively researched and addressed in terms of its epidemiology, expression, developmental pathways, and causes. And despite all the research studies and findings, the question remained: Are the emotional and behavioral problems of girls unique to the distinct aspects of female development, behavior, and adjustment? To fully understand and address the emotional and behavioral problems of girls, their distinct characteristics must be examined in terms of both developmental progression and context-that is, in terms of their various ethnic, cultural, socioeconomic backgrounds as well as family, school, and peer environments and influences.

Within the past two generations alone, child and adolescent obesity has more than doubled for some age groups and tripled for others. Consequently, the extraordinary number of school-age children now being diagnosed with what were once considered adult-onset disorders hypertension, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and related cardio-pulmonary conditions has catapulted pediatric obesity to the forefront of national attention. Yet even as recognition grows, reliable, scientifically tested information and methods often get lost in the media crush of quick fixes and hyped-up news stories.

Social, economic, and theoretical changes in the current clinical landscape are adding up to profound changes in children’s services--not the least of which is an expanded need for mental health services. Professionals--novices and veteran clinicians alike--wonder how to fill this demand in the present climate of turf wars, reorganizations, and budget cuts. The Handbook of Mental Health Services for Children, Adolescents, and Families cogently analyzes the issues and provides the answers, from current issues and emerging therapeutic trends to new avenues of treatment. Thoroughly researches and documented buy industry experts, it presents the widest range of mental health services available to youth and their families.

Few areas of mental health care demonstrate the need for complementary services as much as child and family practice does. With this need firmly in mind, the Handbook encourages creativity and collaboration within practice settings and across agencies. For clinicians, administrators, school practitioners, and advanced-level students, this is a reference certain to have lasting impact on the field.

Growing numbers of young people, some 10% to 20% of school-age populations, have mental health problems requiring intervention, and current policy initiatives identify evidence-based therapies as the most effective and relevant forms of treatment.

With comprehensive coverage provided by numerous leading experts in the field, this volume covers the broadest range of disorders over the widest pediatric-adolescent age range, including:
Behavioral disorders, ADHD, aggression, bullying.
Phobias, panic disorders, school refusal, and anxiety.
Autism and pervasive developmental disorders.
Depression, mood disorders, and suicidal behavior.
Alcohol and drug abuse.
Eating disorders and obesity.
PTSD.