In this work, the Child Psychiatry Committee of the Group for the Advancement of Psychiatry has compiled the conclusions of new research, under publicized studies, and hard-to-find governmental reports on the development of psychopathology in children. Only through such longitudinal studies can we examine early personality traits and behavior that may lead to serious psychopathology later in life and identify effective prevention methods.

This report * Reviews several studies of early therapeutic school-based prevention programs such as Head Start, the New Haven School Development Program, Project Giant Step, Success for All, and preschool intervention programs* Examines issues related to the effects of environmental stress and of medical issues on developing psychopathology* Reviews the effects of mentally ill parents on a child's development, including both stress and heredity factors* Presents studies of the outcome of pathology for children with specific psychiatric diagnoses, such as in children with chronic medical illnesses, childhood traumas, mood and anxiety disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, conduct disorders, and eating disorders* Considers the effects of race, gender, and comorbidity on later development of pathology* Provides insight into the long-term effects of a child's disorder on other family members and presents research that helps us understand which childhood mental health problems children outgrow and which lead to later psychopathology

This invaluable resource consolidates current knowledge about the factors promoting or deterring children's development toward healthy adulthood. It is especially helpful in assisting practitioners with clinical decision making.