The third edition of this highly successful postgraduate psychiatry text offers a comprehensive review of the characteristic causes and treatment of the main psychiatric disorders. As with earlier editions it is subdivided into four parts: models and principles; origins, presentation and course of major clinical symptoms; psychiatry in the social, forensic and medical contexts; treatments both biological and psychological. It is also extensively referenced throughout and emphasises the relationship of research findings to clinical practice. The text has been extensively revised and updated in line with the most recent developments in psychiatric practice and thinking. In particular, more discussion is given to measurement issues, concepts of illness, brain function and neurophysiology. The highly distinguished team of contributors has also been enhanced through the introduction of one or two of the newer stars in the field. This new edition will without doubt be valued by all members of the multidisciplinary mental health care team as well as general practitioners who seek an authoritative yet readable account of modern psychiatry.