Book excerpt: This handbook will be a concise guide to important topics in psychiatry with an international focus. It constitutes a précis of the field of psychiatry with emphases on the therapeutic approach to the patient and on the proper diagnosis of major psychiatric disorders.All psychiatric diagnoses are encoded using both the US Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) and the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD). Treatment options for psychiatric disorders will include approaches used in developed nations in North America, Europe, Asia, as well as in the developing world. Furthermore an invaluable brief history of psychiatry allows readers to trace the beginnings of their chosen field and gain awareness of the ethical and legal contexts.This handbook will provide a comprehensive introduction to psychiatry appropriate for students, trainees, and practitioners seeking an international approach.