NEW TO THIS EDITION:

All topics covered in the text are informed by the most recent information available with approximately 1500 new references. In keeping with the rapidly developing knowledge of biological influences over the entire spectrum of abnormalities of behavior, we have given increased attention to such factors in numerous places throughout the text:

Chapter 1 features enhanced attention to the definition, assessment, and diagnosis of mental disorders and the impact of the DSM taxonomic format on the field at large.

Chapter 2 includes a new historic time line that addresses the contributions of major figures in abnormal psychology and provides new coverage of the theme of the treatment of women throughout the history of the field. A new "Highlight" feature on the history of medications has also been added.

Chapter 3 has been updated to include coverage of psychodynamic perspectives such as object relations, interpersonal, and attachment theories, with a focus on current research supporting these perspectives. This represents a major enhancement of our treatment of general causal factors and viewpoints.

Chapter 4 contains a broadened interpretation of the biological changes that take place when a person experiences severe stress.

In the discussion of anxiety disorders in Chapter 5 we have given increased attention to the nature and function of worry in generalized anxiety disorder and to the effects of attempted thought suppression in obsessive-compulsive disorder. Also, treatment approaches to the various anxiety disorders are addressed contiguously with each disorder to better highlight treatment rationales and how they are tailored to the primary features of each disorder. There is also a new "Highlight" feature on body dysmorphic disorder.

Chapter 6 includes discussion of mood disorders with expanded coverage of their relationship to creativity, using as examples famous persons in various fields of the arts including composers, artists, and poets. There is also a new "Highlight" feature on the interrelationships between depression and marital violence.

In Chapter 7 we draw out certain similarities and interrelations between somatoform and dissociative disorders. The continuing controversies revolving around the emergence of memories of abuse and the status of dissociative identity disorder are aired and updated.

We have greatly expanded coverage of the eating disorders in Chapter 8 to reflect the increasingly widespread occurrence of these sometimes dangerous disorders among young women.

Chapter 9 features expanded coverage of borderline and antisocial disorders, including new treatment approaches for the latter. There is also a new "Highlight" feature on prevention of conduct disorder and antisocial personality disorder.

In Chapter 10, in addition to a thorough updating of the use and abuse of alcohol and drugs, we provide a broadened interpretation of the biological impact of alcohol on the brain.

The sexual disorders coverage in Chapter 11 features new biological treatments for male sexual dysfunction. The controversy surrounding "Megan's Law" regarding what happens to convicted sex offenders who have been released is discussed in a new "Highlight" feature.

In our treatment of the schizophrenias in Chapter 12 we have paid particular attention to updating the research evidence which continues to be produced at an extraordinary rate. We have also examined more closely the competing neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental perspectives.

Chapter 14 on childhood disorders features expanded coverage of the increasing problem of violent crime among youths in our society, drawing attention to the negative social impact of some types of psychopathology.

In Chapter 15 on assessment we have broadened coverage to include the direct use of psychological test data in treatment planning and execution and discuss the use of psychological testing data as a means of bringing about behavioral change.

Chapter 16 features an expanded discussion of the newest "atypical" antidepressant, antipsychotic, and antianxiety drugs, outlining their uses as well as drawbacks.

In Chapter 17 we introduce new material on the "efficacy" versus "effectiveness" distinction as applied to evaluating psychosocial treatments, and also on the increasingly important problem of racial/ethnic mismatches between therapist and client.

In the final Chapter 18, we introduce new conceptions and strategies in the area of prevention of mental disorders, using as a timely example the prevention of alcohol and drug abuse among adolescents.

INTEGRATED RESEARCH ON MULTICULTURAL AND CROSS-CULTURAL ISSUES:

Chapter 13 discusses cultural-familial mental retardation and ends with a related section on unresolved issues in this area. Chapter 17 features discussion of psychotherapy and multiculturalism, highlighting the important issue of racial/ethnic mismatches between therapist and client.