This manual is for primary care health professionals working in low- and middle-income (LAMI) countries. Studies have revealed a lack of knowledge of mental health problems in these professionals which meant that mental health problems in many children went unnoticed.

This manual is to give professionals relevant information so that they can adequately assess and start effective management of children with mental health problems. It uses simple language and explains medical jargon. It is not meant to be used to diagnose mental health disorders, but to help professionals come to a formulation of a particular problem looking at predisposing, precipitating and perpetuating factors. It also offers basic understanding on mental health problems in general, their assessments and treatments, and contains comprehensive information on childhood development, parenting and secure attachment. As a practical aid, the authors included a star chart which is a universally used reward system for children.

A wide range of specific mental health problems are described, among them bed-wetting, stammering, separation anxiety, bullying, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, anorexia nervosa, self-harm, psychotic disorders, child abuse, and mental health problems occurring in children with chronic illnesses such as sickle cell disease. The authors also included contemporaneous problems such as social networking and its impact on children.

The layout of chapters is very simple: general information on a particular topic followed by a list of relevant questions to complete a thorough assessment and eliminate possible organic causes. A suggested management plan is broken down into simple steps and takes into account the resources likely to be available in LAMI countries. There is not much reference to pharmacological treatments; a short chapter and an appendix summarise the necessary information. Case scenarios help illustrate the practical challenges and encourage the reader to make their own judgement and think about a possible treatment plan. The importance of partnership between health professionals, teachers and the family is recognised and one chapter offers advice on how to summarise and communicate an identified problem, including an action plan, to the family and the child.

The authors have created a comprehensive and very practical manual which enables primary care professionals in LAMI countries to recognise, assess and treat common mental health problems in children.