Psychopharmacology in Childhood and Adolescence. Ed. by Jerry M. Wiener. New York:  Basic Books, Inc., 1977.

The editor and one of his colleagues, Steven Jaffe, begin with an historical overview of psychopharmacology, then offer a collection of papers contributed by others. These papers discuss aspects of childhood and adolescent psychopharmacology of special concern to the editor.

Specific drug treatments of major clinical syndromes are described in considerable detail, along with cautions against using drug therapy as a replacement for, rather than an adjunct to, other treatment procedures. In addition, there are extensive discussions on classification of substances, mechanisms of action, and the relationship between drugs and childhood development—critical information that should contribute to a decrease in the misuse of psychopharmacologic drugs. Drug study methodology and drug treatment of the various states and special syndromes are also discussed.

The contributing authors take a basically conservative view of drug treatment with young people, stressing careful evaluation and specific, rather than general application. Specific indications and realistic expectations for drug treatment are clearly spelled out so that children who need drugs may be appropriately treated.

This one-volume reference book, intended primarily for child psychiatrists, pediatricians, and family practitioners who treat children for behavioral, psychological and developmental disturbances, should also be a valuable reference tool for the allied professions.