Drawing on their substantial experience as researchers, scientist-practitioners, and teachers, the authors have created a comprehensive, authoritative, and up-to-date text. The authors convey a sense of the excitement inherent in discovering deeper understandings of the nature and treatment of psychopathologies. The body of information is presented in an engaging style - good writing combined with extensive examples and cases, showing the human side of disorders and treatment. A strong critical thinking emphasis helps draw students into the material.

Additionally, the authors carefully weave an integrated story. By looking at the biological, psychological, and social factors that interact to produce and explain abnormal behavior, the authors help students better understand the disorders and their treatment. This integrated approach is further reflected in a biopyschosocial model in each of the disorders chapters.

The authors have broad and complementary areas of research and clinical experience: anxiety and eating disorders (Wilson), substance abuse disorders and clinical diagnosis (Nathan), childhood disorders and family violence (O'Leary), and mood and personality disorders (Clark).