The Maudsley Handbook of Practical Psychiatry has long served trainees in psychiatry, presenting them with practical and essential advice.

This new edition of the handbook, perhaps better known as the 'Orange book', provides guidance on the psychiatric and neuropsychiatric examination and interviewing of adults and children – not just a central skill, but the basis for reaching a diagnosis and defining a treatment plan. It also covers special interview situations, such as dealing with specific patient reactions, and other special problems, for example, conducting a complicated assessment in cases of autism or self harm.

The final chapters explain when to refer to the experts and describes early treatment interventions. The book concludes with important legal and service organisation issues. As with previous editions, the new edition has been revised and rewritten with the full and active involvement of a group of consultant psychiatrists and trainees.

1. The psychiatric interview with adults; 2. Special assessments with adults; 3. The psychiatric interview with children; 4. The mental state examination; 5. Neuropsychiatric assessment; 6. The formulation, the summary and progress notes; 7. Special interview situations; 8. Special problems; 9. When to refer to experts; 10. Early treatments; 11. Things you need to know about

David Goldberg – Emeritus Professor, Institute of Psychiatry, De Crespigny Park, London, UK

Robin Murray – Division of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, De Crespigny Park, London, UK

From a review of the previous edition:
'The Maudsley Handbook is a valuable introductory handbook in terms of its discussion of the psychiatric interview and assessment.'