Psychosis in Childhood and Adolescence

Psychosis in Childhood and Adolescence offers an in-depth examination of the nature of psychosis, its risk factors and its manifestations in children and adolescents who experience a continuum of emotional disorders. The chapters present a hopeful, research-based framework for treatment. They emphasize combined treatment that is based on psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral psychotherapy principles, pharmacological interventions and supportive family approaches that reflect the vulnerabilities and resources of the individual child. This text highlights the importance of thorough assessment and the need for long-term treatment that facilitates the psychotic child’s healthy maturation. Readers will benefit from the case examples that illustrate the complexity of psychosis and the discussions of diagnostic and treatment issues as presented by experienced clinicians and researchers.

About the Author

James B. McCarthy , PhD, ABPP, is Director of Field Training and Associate Professor of Psychology, Pace University PsyD program in School-Clinical Child Psychology, and Clinical Professor of Psychology, Adelphi University Postgraduate Program in Child, Adolescent, and Family Psychotherapy. Formerly the Director of Psychology at Queens Children’s Psychiatric Center in New York, he has published extensively in professional journals. His previous books include Death Anxiety: The Loss of the Self; Adolescence and Character Disturbance; and Adolescent Development and Psychopathology.