From the President of the Research Society on Alcoholism On behalf of the Research Society on Alcoholism, I am pleased to introduce this thirteenth volume of Recent Developments in Alcoholism about alcohol and violence. Current concepts are presented in well-organized sections that - cus on epidemiology, neurobiology, psychology, and family issues. It is - coming increasingly clear that age, gender, socioeconomic circumstances, and genetics affect aggressive behavior and vulnerability to alcoholism. This v- ume contains up-to-date discussions of these issues. Indeed, the information presented here will help all alcohol researchers to identify biological and social factors that contribute to the comorbidity of alcoholism and aggression. The editors and associate editors should be congratulated for bringing toge- er such important information. This volume will be a valuable resource for investigators and therapists alike. Ivan Diamond M. D. , Ph. D. President, Research Society on Alcoholism From the President of the American Society of Addiction Medicine The American Society of Addiction Medicine is honored to continue its - sponsorship with the Research Society on Alcoholism of Recent Developmen ts in Alcoholism. The topic of alcohol and violence is a particularly timely one, given the growing number of studies that are examining the relationship between the two. These studies are consistent with the hypothesis that al- hol can increase aggression and contribute to both domestic and criminal violence. Intoxicating blood levels of alcohol have been found to be especially prevalent in those injured in fights and assaults.

From the President of the Research Society on Alcoholism On behalf of the Research Society on Alcoholism, I am pleased to introduce this thirteenth volume of Recent Developments in Alcoholism about alcohol and violence. Current concepts are presented in well-organized sections that - cus on epidemiology, neurobiology, psychology, and family issues. It is - coming increasingly clear that age, gender, socioeconomic circumstances, and genetics affect aggressive behavior and vulnerability to alcoholism. This v- ume contains up-to-date discussions of these issues. Indeed, the information presented here will help all alcohol researchers to identify biological and social factors that contribute to the comorbidity of alcoholism and aggression. The editors and associate editors should be congratulated for bringing toge- er such important information. This volume will be a valuable resource for investigators and therapists alike. Ivan Diamond M. D. , Ph. D. President, Research Society on Alcoholism From the President of the American Society of Addiction Medicine The American Society of Addiction Medicine is honored to continue its - sponsorship with the Research Society on Alcoholism of Recent Developmen ts in Alcoholism. The topic of alcohol and violence is a particularly timely one, given the growing number of studies that are examining the relationship between the two. These studies are consistent with the hypothesis that al- hol can increase aggression and contribute to both domestic and criminal violence. Intoxicating blood levels of alcohol have been found to be especially prevalent in those injured in fights and assaults.

The third edition of this successful Facts title was authored by the late Dr Donald W. Goodwin, who wrote with a unique and engaging style defining alcoholism in very human terms. Although much of Dr Goodwin's assessments of alcoholism still hold true today, a great deal of progress has been made in the quest to better understand the underlying causes of the disease. This fourth edition, written by a group of Dr Goodwin's former colleagues, whilst retaining much of Dr Goodwin's original material, offering his unique perspective on alcoholism. The new edition includes updated information about the effects of alcohol consumption on the body, a new section on the particular sensitivity of women to the effects of drinking, and information and advice relating to the consequences of alcohol abuse for the abusers, their families and society.

Well known for providing a thorough yet concise view of the natural history of psychiatric disorders, this popular text has been completely updated chapter by chapter in this Fifth Edition. Terminology has been revised in line with DSM IV and many recent genetic and neurobiological findings have been included. Some of the areas where there is new material are: genetics and neuroimaging of schizophrenia, combined use of benzodiazepines and neuroleptics in treating schizophrenia, development of antisocial personality, neuropsychological changes in AIDS patients, genetics of Alzheimer's disease, prognosis for delirium in the elderly, and epidemiologyu of anorexia nervosa. As in previous editions, each chapter systematically covers the definition, historical background, epidemiology, clinical picture, natural history, complications, family studies, differential diagnosis, and clinical management of each disorder. The use of follow-up studies to classify psychiatric disorders is emphasized. No other text provides such a lucid, well-documented and critically sound overview of the major syndromes in psychiatry. Medical students and psychiatric residents will continue to find Psychiatric Diagnosis a unique guide to the field.