Handbook of Childhood Behavioral Issues Evidence-Based Approaches to Prevention and Treatment

Introduction Thomas P. Gullotta and Gary M. Blau  Section I: Foundations  1: From Theory to Practice: Treatment Prevention Possibilities Thomas P. Gullotta  2: Diagnoses in Children and Adolescents Christopher Bellonci  3: Childhood Growth and Development and the Etiology of Mental Disorders  Kaitlyn H. Motley, Emily K. Lichvar, and Rebecca B. Flatow  4: Ecological and Community-Level Influences on Child Development Jill Antonishak and N. Dickon Reppucci  5: Principles and Approaches to Primary Prevention Martin Bloom  6: The Evidence Base for Treating Children’s Mental Health Disorders E. Wayne Holden and Elizabeth A. Hudson  Section II: Family Behavioral Health Issues  7: Family Life and Military Service Kristen N. Williams-Washington, Chmaika Mills, Mary H. Thornquist, and Micah J. Sickel  8: Child and Youth Adjustment in Stepfamilies Anthony G. James, Kevin R. Bush, and Gary W. Peterson  9: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender-Headed-Families and Their Children Sylvia K. Fisher, Jeffrey M. Poirier, and Gary M. Blau  10: Children of Parents with Depression Maria DiFonte and Tracy R.G. Gladstone  11: Physical Abuse in Childhood Preston A. Britner, Jonelle A. Reynolds, and Sharon G. Portwood  12: Sexual Abuse in Childhood: The Abused Child Teaniese Latham Davis and Ralph J. DiClemente  Section III: Behavioral Health Issues  13: Anxiety Disorders in Childhood Patricia A. Graczyk, Meghann M. Hennelly, and Sucheta D. Connolly  14: Depressive and Bipolar Disorders in Children and Youth Donna L. Burton  15: Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Childhood Christine H. Wang, Kelsey E. Woods, and Andrea Chronis-Tuscano  16: Oppositional Defiant Disorder and Conduct Disorder in Childhood Adam R. Fisher and Thomas L. Sexton  17: Autism Spectrum Disorders in Childhood Jill Locke, Colleen M. Harker, Elizabeth A. Karp, and Hilary E. Kratz  18: Child and Adolescent Psychosis Kate Hardy, Tushita Mayanil, David A. Graeber, and Steven Adelsheim  Section IV: Epilogue  19: Reflection, Assessment, and Looking Ahead in the Field of Children’s Mental Health Emily K. Lichvar, Tanvi Ajmera, Gary M. Blau, and Thomas P. Gullotta

Biography

Thomas P. Gullotta, MA, MSW, is the CEO of Child and Family Agency, and for three decades has been a member of the psychology and education departments at Eastern Connecticut State University. He is the senior author of the fourth edition of The Adolescent Experience, and the coeditor of The Encyclopedia of Primary Prevention and Health Promotion 2nd Edition.

Gary M. Blau, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and the chief of the Child, Adolescent and Family Branch at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. In this role, he provides national leadership for children’s mental health care, and for creating "systems of care" across the country. Dr. Blau has received numerous awards, including the prestigious HHS Secretary’s Award for Meritorious Service for his national leadership in children’s mental health. Dr. Blau has written more than 50 professional publications and has edited eight books.

“The introduction says, “This book is about hope.” Any family member caring for a child, adolescent, or young adult with mental health needs automatically gravitates to “hope” and this book delivers on that count. Rather than pathology, the book provides knowledge about mental health theory, disorders, and the latest state-of the science treatment for children. It is comprehensive, readable and written by experts in the field families can trust. As a mother I know firsthand the importance of having the best and latest information and this book is a great resource for families.”—Jane A. Walker, MSW, executive director, Family-Run Executive Director Leadership Association (FREDLA)

“The first line of this book says it all. This book conveys hope, a theme that resonates throughout with a rich and holistic examination of prevention and effective interventions that change lives. The diverse perspectives shared by key thought leaders—many of whom have dedicated their professional lives to children and families—will move the field forward in ways that are long overdue. This is a must read for all considering and working with children and families.”—Darcy Gruttadaro, JD, director, Advocacy and Public Policy, NAMI 

“Thomas Gullotta and Gary Blau have provided an updated version of their Handbook of Childhood Behavioral Issues that is balanced and that allows the emerging and established service provider to make better use of what we already know. Their commitment to promoting hope and knowledge rings true throughout the handbook. What we know about disorders and diagnoses is balanced with what need to be mindful of with respect to context, systems, and resilience.”—Ian Manion, PhD, C.Psych, director, Youth Mental Health Research, The Royal’s Institute of Mental Health Research

“To be effective, systems of care for children, youth, and young adults with mental health conditions and their families depend on excellent, evidence-informed treatment and support services. This book provides the latest state of the science about what works for the prevention and treatment of mental health disorders in children. A must read for clinicians and those interested in learning more about children's mental health.”—Beth A. Stroul, MEd, president, management and training innovations and consultant, Children’s Mental Health Policy

“If you’re a student, practitioner, educator, policy maker, or interested in children’s mental health, the second edition of the Handbook of Childhood Behavioral Issues is for you. This updated volume provides information and insights into children’s mental health issues, ranging from theory to scholarly information and pragmatic application. Contemporary issues such as diagnosis, family, and community factors are strengths. These chapters are bolstered by others including etiology, growth, and child development. Recommendations on effective and promising interventions are also added throughout. Integrating caring children’s services across mental and physical health is the goal, which this volume adds to understanding.”— Carl G. Leukefeld, professor, University of Kentucky