The New Oxford Textbook of Psychiatry is the definitive source for all psychiatrists and trainees, now available for the first time in paperback at low cost. It covers all areas of general psychiatry in depth, and includes sections on each of the subspecialties (for example child psychiatry and forensic psychiatry). It is designed to be used by those in higher training, for continuing education and reaccreditation, and as a specialists' reference. The textbook has been planned with the three themes of contemporary psychiatry in mind. First, the subject has become more unified: there are no longer competing theoretical schools; the biological and psychosocial models have been largely reconciled; and the scientific and clinical points of view have been brought together in an evidence-based approach. The second theme is the importance of the social context in which psychiatry is practised, particularly as this takes place increasingly in the community. Thirdly, the practice of psychiatry is becoming increasingly similar in different countries; this book takes a worldwide approach with expert contributions from many countries. Accounts of clinical practice are linked to the underlying science, and to the evidence for the efficacy of treatments. Physical and psychological treatments, including psychodynamic approaches, are covered in depth. The history of psychiatry, ethics, public health aspects, and public attitudes to psychiatry and to patients, are all given due attention. The book opens with a subject which is central to the editors' view of the practice of psychiatry: the patient's experience of psychiatric illness. Oxford University Press now publishes an integrated set of psychiatry textbooks offering a high-quality book for every stage of training. Psychiatry: An Oxford Core Text is ideal for medical students; trainees will continue to find the Shorter Oxford Textbook of Psychiatry an ideal grounding in the practice of psychiatry which is particularly appropriate for postgraduate examinations; and the New Oxford Textbook of Psychiatry completes the trinity with a truly international, comprehensive, and scientifically based reference work. This new paperback edition brings the New Oxford Textbook of Psychiatry within the reach of every practising psychiatrist. (ashwin)