Comprehensive Handbook of Psychopathology : Springer : 9781461566830 : 1461566835 : 26 Aug 2012 : The major purpose of this handbook is to provide a comprehensive review of current clinical descriptions, research, and theories of psychopathology. Descrip­ tive psychopathology is a field that is the foundation of clinical practice and re­ search in clinical psychology, psychiatry, psychiatric social work, psychiatric nursing, and allied professions in mental health. Psychopathology is often per­ ceived as "a stepchild" of the more glamorous areas of diagnosis or assessment and therapy or behavioral change. Nevertheless, it is doubtful that any meaningful advancements in these areas will occur until there is a thorough understanding of the behavioral disorders. The purpose of the present project was to devise a handbook that covered both general and specific topics in psychopathology and that would be useful to re­ searchers, practitioners, and graduate or other advanced students in the