Twenty-eight papers examine basic theories and clinical methods in child psychiatry. Theories and methods discussed concern child psychiatry and the World Health Organization, pediatrics, child disturbances, observation, the psychodiagnostic approach, longitudinal research in child development, the comparative approach to early child development, a methodological approach to defining an infant's ego, and problems of classification. The following clinical problems are covered: the directive function of speech in development and dissolution, psychogenic and allied disorders of communication in childhood, psychosis in childhood, later assessment of early experience, social problems of mental subnormality, school phobia, parental bereavement in childhood, the genetics of mental deficiency, and aspects of delinquent behavior in children and adolescents. Also considered are the role of the family in the emergence of child disorders; personality development and family vicissitudes; and family relationships, fathers, and the law. Therapeutic methods and prophylaxis described include therapeutic consultation, community therapy, psychopharmacology in childhood, behavior therapy and conditioning techniques, and primary prevention of mental disorders by school psychologists. (SN)