In the past, disruptive behavior disorders were often attributed to a lack of willpower or general & ldquo;badness& rdquo; in children and adolescents. Research now points to unique neurodevelopmental underpinnings for these disorders. Neuroimaging, genetic studies, and other neurobiological advances have furthered our understanding of these common and frequently debilitating disorders and have led to new treatment and prevention efforts.

"Disruptive Behavior Disorders in Children and Adolescents" comprehensively reviews current research and clinical observations on this timely topic. The authors look at three subtypes of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), conduct disorder, and oppositional defiant disorder, all of which are common among youths and often share similar symptoms of impulse control problems. Specifically, it covers: Cutting-edge research on the diagnostic, epidemiological, and biological aspects of ADHD and state-of-the-art pharmacological treatments The important role that biological and environmental factors play in the etiology of conduct disorders The importance of age and development in diagnosing oppositional defiant disorder as well as practical guidelines and treatment options for clinicians working with patients with this disorder The similar biopsychosocial and developmental underpinnings of disruptive behavior disorders and the comorbidity of substance abuse or aggressive behavior with disruptive behavior disorders Research connecting ADHD and bipolar disorder and discusses the possible reasons for the association of violence and mental illness in youth The etiology of disruptive behavior disorders and effective treatment approaches, including psychopharmacological interventions

Helpful in exploring the effect of comorbidity, resilience, and environmental factors, this comprehensive guide proves valuable to clinicians and families in designing effective prevention and treatment programs.

This cutting-edge book brings advances in genetics, neurobiology, and psychopharmacology to the clinic to enhance treatment for neurodevelopmental disorders. Significant progress has been made in identifying the neurobiological mechanisms of several disorders and targeted treatments are modifying the outcome of these disorders. However, the ability to utilize this knowledge has not been summarized in one place for the practicing clinician. This book will fill that gap by providing the theoretical underpinnings and the latest advances in targeted treatments. Several neurodevelopmental disorders are reviewed in detail including clinical features and behavioral phenotypes, standard treatments and new targeted treatments based on the latest advances in neurobiology and the animal model studies that have lead to new treatments. The disorders covered include psychiatric disorders: schizophrenia, depression, autism and ADHD; single gene disorders including Tuberous Sclerosis, Fragile X Syndrome and fragile X- associated disorders, Angelman Syndrome, PKU, and Muscular Dystrophies; and complex genetic disorders such as Down syndrome. This book also highlights the commonalities across disorders and new genetic and molecular concepts in an easy to read format. This is a very exciting time for new targeted treatments and this volume is a landmark treatise on this new age of treatment.

As more and more general psychiatrists are being asked to see pediatric patients, this issue will provide a valuable update on some of the most important areas of child psychiatry. Articles discuss such topics as Neurodevelopmental formulation, Cultural issues, Prodromal interventions in psychotic disorders, Autism, Early onset bipolar disorder, ADHD, Anxiety disorders and PTSD, Genetic Syndrome, Consultation to schools, forensics and PCPs, Psychopharmacology, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Future directions. Experts in child psychiatry write each article specifically for the generalist who does not primarily see children and adolescents, but occasionally or even often does.