It is widely argued that a more general ‘genetic literacy’ of the public is required so that appropriate use is made of the new human genetic technologies, such as DNA testing, and there is effective public participation in debates about the regulation and development of new technologies. Despite a century of popularisation and school education in Mendelian genetics, public understanding remains very limited. An hypothesis is put forward that suggests that the limited public understanding results from the existence of a lay understanding of inheritance that conflicts with the scientific account of Mendelian genetics and impedes its uptake. It is further proposed that the lay understanding of inheritance is derived by children from a developmentally earlier social understanding of kinship relations. Given that the lay knowledge of inheritance is grounded in social concepts of kinship that are sustained by every day social activities and relationships, it may be particularly resistant to change. A test of the hypothesis is described and evidence relating to the development of concepts of inheritance and family in children is discussed.

A model for primary care child and adolescent mental health (CAMH) services is presented, the overall goal of which is to reduce population burden of CAMH problems. The theoretical orientation of the model is based on ecological systems theories. Features of the model include: local population outcome measures; small area service focus; primary-care-based CAMH specialists; a locally comprehensive service framework based in primary care (schools and general practices); and an explicit process of community engagement. The model is illustrated by reference to a primary care CAMH service (currently the subject of a controlled trial) in Flintshire, North Wales.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is an excessive preoccupation with an imagined, or real, slight defect in normal physical appearance. The disorder, which usually begins during adolescence, tends to be chronic, and probably is much more common than is usually thought. This review presents an overview of the available scientific literature of BDD. It provides information about historical aspects, epidemiology, clinical features, aetiology, and instruments for assessing BDD. The relationship of BDD with other psychiatric disorders such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorders, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders and personality disorders is discussed. Aetiological theories, including psychological and neurobiological explanations, are reviewed. Finally, psychopharmacological and psychotherapeutic treatment approaches are presented with special regard to treatment with serotonin-reuptake inhibitors, behavioural therapy and cognitive-behavioural therapy.

Infant Observation is a valuable training experience for workers in child and adolescent mental health, helping both to conceive the infantile experience of the children under their care, and to understand the parents' accounts of a child's history. It is an experience that gives trainees a unique opportunity to observe the development of an infant, systematically and practically from birth, in the child's natural setting, thus facilitating the acquisition of a meaningful understanding of how human relationships emerge and develop. Infant Observation gives the trainee a clear focus on the baby and his family, whilst remaining as a participant observer, and spontaneously encouraging problem-free talk.

Multisystemic therapy (MST) is a highly individualised family- and home-based treatment that has successfully served as a clinically effective and cost-effective alternative to out-of-home placements (e.g., incarceration, psychiatric hospitalisation) for youth presenting serious clinical problems. MST clinical procedures are reviewed and two extensive case summaries are used to explicate the MST intervention process for treating serious antisocial behaviour and modifications in that process needed to safely and effectively serve youth presenting psychiatric emergencies.