Mental Retardation: Nature, Cause, and Management » (3rd Edition)

Baroff, George S., PhD (Univ of North Carolina at Chapel Hill); Olley, J. Gregory, PhD (Univ of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)

Mental Retardation, now in the third edition, was hailed as a "classic" when it was first published in the 1970's. This edition provides up-to-date material on the major dimensions of mental retardation-its nature, its causes, both biological and psychological, and its management.

Mani Pavuluri

This is a comprehensive book on mental retardation in which the presentation, etiology, and management are outlined. An added unique feature in this third edition is a series of potential discussion questions at the end of each chapter. The reference list has benn expanded to include the most recent publications. This book is particularly readable and includes well-organized details in all areas that are relevant for mental retardation. Authors intend to highlight "person." They have met their objectives in providing accurate information on the most recent definitions of mental retardation, biopsychosocial variables, and the obstacles and rewards in treating mental retardation. According to the authors, this book is written for upper level undergraduate and graduate students and for the professionals in the field. I agree that it will be of immense interest to those in the fields of psychology, child psychiatry, pediatrics, education, and social services. Both the senior author and the guest author have extensive experience in the field of mental retardation and it is a treat to get a distilled version of their experience in the form of a readable textbook. Definitions, biological factors, and environmental factors are all well covered. Psychiatric disorders and mental retardation, comprehensive services, and support services are well covered for all age groups, severity, and in various settings. Authors have covered all the key concepts related to mental retardation. This book has all there is to learn on the topic. While the medical management of various behavior/psychiatric problems is mentioned in some detail, the presentation lacks a systematic approach. This, however, isa small detail compared to the rich detail in other areas.