Edited by
Helen Orvaschel, Center for Psychological Studies
Michel Hersen, Pacific University, Forest Grove, Oregon, U.S.A.
Jan Faust, Nova Southeastern University
Description
The
Handbook of Conceptualization and Treatment of Child Psychopathology examines and illustrates the integration of conceptualization
and treatment of child and adolescent psychopathology. A number of conceptual models and intervention strategies are illustrated, and
chapters cover most axis 1 disorders and several specific problem areas. The inspiration for this book arose largely from the teaching
experiences of the editors, who found that while many students, as well as experienced clinicians, have knowledge in several theoretical
domains and familiarity with a variety of interventions, significant numbers had difficulty linking the two.
Conceptualization, derived
from a theoretical perspective, frames the clinicians understanding of the presenting problem. Theory defines psychopathology, establishes
domains appropriate for treatment, and determines the nature of psychotherapy, thereby providing the underlying foundation that informs
clinical practice. The conceptual model does not have to be the same for all disorders or for different individuals with the same disorder.
A model that is effective with one patient may be ineffective for another, and absolute claims about a treatment approach and the model
from which it is derived are rare. Indeed, different models may be equally effective for the same problem.
The
Handbook of Conceptualization
and Treatment of Child Psychopathology is organized into seven sections. The first discusses issues of conceptualization and developmental
considerations in treatment, laying a foundation for the reader on the central thesis of integrating case conceptualization with treatment,
as well as establishing the importance of development in the treatment of psychopathology in youth. The ensuing sections delineate treatment
models and specific interventions for disruptive behavior disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, substance use
disorders, and a special topics section covers firesetting, trichotillomania, elimination disorders, schizophrenia, sleep problems, and
dissociative disorders. Authors were asked to begin their contributions with a description of the clinical syndrome, followed by a conceptual
framework for the pathology and a detailed treatment strategy related to the conceptual model. An alternative conceptual model is also
offered, with a somewhat less detailed intervention that follows from the second model.
Handbook of Conceptualization and Treatment
of Child Psychopathology
provides detailed, state of the art intervention strategies for specific child and adolescent disorders;
ties treatment to conceptual models; offers alternative models for subsequent treatment approaches; covers a broad range of disorders
and problems, most prevalent among referred youth; includes diverse conceptualizations, rather than one or two paradigms, so that the
reader can view treatment from numerous (cognitive, behavioral, family, interpersonal, psychodynamic) perspectives; features contributions
from outstanding scholars who are active in both the science and practice of child and adolescent treatment.
A limited number of inspection
copies of this book are available for qualified course instructors. Requests for an Examination Copy (please provide full course details)
should be sent via e-mail to:
j.kershaw@elsevier.nl
