Focusing on the treatment of psychopathology written for social workers, this text encompasses the issues confronting social workers with respect to mental disorders and medications. This manual provides an overview of each of the major mental disorders based on the DSM-IV, the latest version of the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders", and outlines assessment, aetiological and intervention alternatives. Included is a chapter written by a psychiatrist on the use of medications in the treatment of mental disorders. A chapter written by psychologists details tests that may be used as an adjunct to assessment. Emphasizing the traditional "bio-psycho-social" view of mental disorder, the author addresses the importance of involving the family in the process of assessment and intervention planning. In this reference tool, social workers should find a useful general introduction to a subject that demands their attention as they are presented with a broader range of clients than ever before.