Blackwell's Neurology and Psychiatry Access Series: Adult Psychiatry provides a practical discussion of psychopathology and aids the non-psychiatrist in recognizing psychiatric symptoms and syndromes and understanding the principles of management strategies. Although this book is aimed at primary care physicians, the information is presented in a conceptual format that medical students and junior residents may find useful. Psychologists, social workers and counsellors will find that this book aids their work. The book is divided into three main sections: Section 1 covers the assessment and evaluation of psychiatric disorders; Section 2 considers important aspects of psychopathology; and, Section 3 explores important topics in clinical medicine, including the interface between psychiatry and primary care, general psychiatric treatment, practical genetics, age-related considerations, suicide, medicolegal issues, and ethics.All chapters from the first edition have been revised and updated. Two new chapters have been added to this edition: obesity and binge eating disorder, and the impact of psychiatric disorders on medical illness. Blackwell's Neurology and Psychiatry Access Series has been designed to teach the art of diagnosis and treatment of neurologic and mental disease, applying both deductive and inductive reasoning to arrive at a diagnosis and formulate a plan for treatment.The format of this book is unique in the way it presents information, using 'boxes' designed to provide the reader with additional information and 'wisdom' from experienced contributors rather than just clinical knowledge. This approach introduces an inductive nosologic approach to diagnosis, employing discriminating, consistent, and variable features. Other boxes include: Pearls and Perils; Consider Consultation When...; and, Key Clinical Questions and What They Unlock (new in this Edition). These boxes of information and questions prompt the clinician with time-saving questions that cut to the chase. This is a clinically relevant, multifunction text.