Book excerpt: Its previous edition hailed as "the best reference for the majority of practicing psychiatrists" (Doody's Book Reviews) and a book that "more than any other, provides an approach to how to think about psychiatry that integrates both the biological and psychological" (JAMA), The American Psychiatric Publishing Textbook of Psychiatry has been meticulously revised to maintain this preeminence as an accessible and authoritative educational reference and clinical compendium. It combines the strengths of its three editors -- Robert Hales in clinical and community psychiatry, Stuart Yudofsky in neuropsychiatry, and new co-editor Glen Gabbard in psychotherapy -- in recruiting outstanding authors to summarize the latest developments in psychiatry and features 101 contributors, 65 of whom are new to this edition. The book boasts a new interior design, with more figures and color throughout to aid comprehension. Each chapter ends with 5-10 key points, 5-10 recommended readings, and helpful Web sites not only for the clinician but also for patients and family members. The book also includes complimentary access to the full text online. Online benefits include powerful searching, electronic bookmarking, and access by username and password from wherever you have Web access -- especially convenient for times when the print copy of your textbook is not where you are. The online version is accompanied by a downloadable PowerPoint presentation, which contains a wealth of material to enhance classroom presentation, study, and clinical use. Among the improvements to this edition's content: • Of the text's 44 chapters, 23 either feature new topics or have new authors, making this the most completely revised edition yet.• New basic-science chapters on cellular and molecular biology of the neuron and on neuroanatomy for the psychiatrist conveniently distill essential information on the biological foundations of psychiatric disorders for clinicians.• A new chapter on human sexuality and sexual dysfunctions, and another new chapter on treatment of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender patients, equips clinicians to address the entire spectrum of sexual issues and their attendant mental health concerns.• New chapters on nonpharmacological somatic treatments, supportive psychotherapy, and combination psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy augment the section on psychiatric treatments.• A new chapter on the assessment of dangerousness -- an individual's propensity to commit violent acts -- presents helpful guidelines for appropriately evaluating and minimizing the risk of violence in both outpatient and inpatient settings. Why The American Psychiatric Publishing Textbook of Psychiatry will be your first choice among comprehensive psychiatry textbooks: • Complimentary Access to the Full Text Online -- Online benefits include powerful searching, electronic bookmarking, and download to PDA.• PowerPoint Presentation -- Online version is accompanied by a downloadable PowerPoint presentation, which contains a wealth of material to help you enhance classroom presentation, study, and in clinical use. • Self-Assessment -- An interactive online Self-Assessment allows you to assess your knowledge of each chapter, with links back to the textbook when more study is needed.• Summary Points -- Each chapter ends with 5-10 key points, 5-10 recommended readings, and helpful web sites not only for the clinician but also for referral to patients and family members. • Co-Editor Glen O. Gabbard, M.D. -- As the third Co-Editor, Dr. Gabbard adds depth and perspective to psychotherapeutic approaches.• Chapter Authors -- Partnership of senior and junior faculty brings fresh insights tempered by wisdom and experience.• Peer-Reviewed -- Rigorously peer reviewed and updated to reflect the rapidly changing profession. • Disclosure of Interest Statements -- Disclosure from each chapter author assures you that potential biases have been removed.• Comprehensive But Concise -- Inclusion of essential information eases information overload.• Better Layout -- Larger type for text makes book easier to read and color figures are provided throughout the text. It's no wonder that this text has established itself as both a leading scholarly reference and an indispensable clinical resource. The American Psychiatric Publishing Textbook of Psychiatry is a proven teaching tool and an essential component of every practitioner's library.