Includes bibliographical references and index.

Part 1 Understanding abnormal child psychology: an introduction to abnormal child psychology: what is abnormal child behaviour?; understanding psychological disorders of childhood and adolescence; the significance of children's mental health problems; historical views and breakthroughs; a satirical prelude - the aetiology and treatment of childhood. Part 2 A multidimensional integrative approach to child and adolescent disorders: how theory contributes to our understanding of causes (theoretical perspectives and contributions); constitutional and neurobiological contributions; behavioural and social learning contributions; cognitive influences; emotional influences; social and interpersonal influences. Part 3 Clinical issues - assessment, diagnosis, and treatment: clinical Issues; assessing children's psychological disorders; classification and diagnosis; treating children's psychological disorders. Part 4 Research methods with children, youth, and families: key decisions and strategies; ethical and pragmatic issues. Part 5 Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: description; historical background of ADHD; DSM-IV - defining features of ADHD; core characteristics; ADHD subtypes; differential diagnosis; DSM-IV Criteria - what don't they tell us; associated characteristics of ADHD; accompanying disorders and symptoms; task and situational factors; prevalence and course; theories of ADHD; causes of ADHD; treatment. Part 6 Disruptive behaviour disorders. Part 7 Anxiety disorders. Part 8 Mood disorders. Part 9 Mental retardation: perspectives on intelligence and mental retardation; features of mental retardation; prevalence; developmental course and adult outcomes; causes; prevention, education, and treatment. Part 10 Autism and childhood-onset schizophrenia: historical background of autism. description; DSM-IV - defining features of autism; autism across the spectrum; core characteristics; associated characteristics of autism; subtypes; prevalence and course; causes of autism; treatment; childhood-onset schizophrenia; DSM-IV - defining features of schizophrenia; uses of childhood-onset schizophrenia; treatment. Part 11 Communication and learning disorders: historical background; language development and disorders; communication disorders; learning disorders; treatment and prevention. Part 12 Eating disorders and related conditions: development of eating patterns; feeding and eating disorders of infancy and early childhood; eating disorders of adolescence; prevalence and development of anorexia and bulimia; causes of anorexia and bulimia; treatments of anorexia and bulimia. Part 14 Child abuse and neglect; perspectives on childrearing and maltreatment; description; prevalence and context; developmental course and psychopathology; causes; prevention and treatment. Part 15 Health promotion for children and youth - an emerging paradigm.