Developmental Neuropsychiatry Fundamentals

Although developmental concepts have held a prominent place in American psychiatry for over fifty years because of the dominance of psychodynamic theory, it is only in recent years that advances in neuroscience have begun to impact developmental psychiatry. James Harris's two-volume work on developmental neuropsychiatry sets the agenda for this emerging clinical specialty. Grounded in neuroscience but enriched by clinical realities, Volume II provides a comprehensive review of the developmental neuropsychiatric disorders. Throughout the text current DSM-IV diagnostic criteria are provided.

Although developmental concepts have held a prominent place in American psychiatry for over fifty years because of the dominance of psychodynamic theory, it is only in recent years that advances in neuroscience have begun to impact developmental psychiatry. James Harris's two volume work on developmental neuropsychiatry sets the agenda for this emerging clinical specialty. Written by an individual with the developmental expertise of a pediatrician, the behavioral sophistication of an adult and child psychiatrist, and a deep appreciation of neuroscience, these two books offer an integrated yet comprehensive approach to developmental neuropsychiatry. In Volume I, Part I discusses basic neural science, including aspects of molecular neurobiology, developmental neuroanatomy, neurotransmitter systems and neuronal signaling mechanisms, sleep and circadian rhythms, and basic genetics. Part II provides background on cognitive neuroscience that relate to attention, emotion, language, memory, neural networks, and consciousness. Part III emphasizes the developmental perspective which is crucial to an understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders. It offers an ethological framework as well as background information on cognitive development, emotion expression and regulation, language development, temperament and personality, and the emergence of the self.

Several alterations of brain function cause common mental problems in young people. ADHD, autism, tic disorders, learning difficulties, intellectual disability, and the psychotic disorders of young people are conventionally classified and described as discrete neuropsychiatric problems. Research, however, has made it clear that they are complex, variable, dimensional, overlapping, and that they frequently coexist and share aetiological influences. Developmental Neuropsychiatry explores how clinicians often find themselves confronted with complex problems of diagnosis and treatment. Existing texts and guidelines, however, continue to be organized around simple conceptualization of illness categories. The book provides unified accounts of the complex psychiatric, psychological, neurological, medical, social, and educational issues that are relevant to clinical understanding.

During the past decade, significant advances have been made in the field of neurodevelopmental disorders, resulting in a considerable impact on conceptualization, diagnostics, and practice. The second edition of Child Neuropsychology: Assessment and Interventions for Neurodevelopmental Disorders brings readers up to speed clearly and authoritatively, offering the latest information on neuroimaging technologies, individual disorders, and effective treatment of children and adolescents. Starting with the basics of clinical child neuropsychology and functional anatomy, the authors present a transactional framework for assessment, diagnosis, and intervention. The book carefully links structure and function—and behavioral and biological science—for a more nuanced understanding of brain development and of pathologies as varied as pervasive developmental disorders, learning disabilities, neuromotor dysfunction, seizure disorders, and childhood cancers. This volume features a range of salient features valuable to students as well as novice and seasoned practitioners alike, including: Overview chapters that discuss the effects of biogenic and environmental factors on neurological functioning. New emphasis on multicultural/cross-cultural aspects of neuropsychology and assessment. Brand new chapters on interpretation, neuropsychological assessment process, and report writing. An integrative model of neurological, neuroradiological, and psychological assessment and diagnosis. Balanced coverage of behavioral, pharmacological, and educational approaches to treatment. Case studies illustrating typical and distinctive presentations and successful diagnosis, treatment planning, and intervention. Important practice updates, including the new HIPAA regulations. Child Neuropsychology, 2nd Edition, is vital reading for school, clinical child, and counseling psychologists as well as neuropsychologists. The book also provides rich background and practical material for graduate students entering these fields.