This 1986 volume was the first of five, which together give a comprehensive account of clinical psychiatry in the 1980's and its scientific foundations. After an introductory section about the historical background and the evolution of some basic concepts, clinical phenomena are described and discussed. The book concludes with a section in which mental disorders are classified and their assessment, diagnosis and treatment detailed. Each chapter is written by a recognised authority in the field and the book includes a comprehensive bibliography and cross-references to the other volumes in the series.