Psychiatric Perspectives on Human Development

The Developmental Section of this volume provides the reader with an up-to-date conceptualization of the normal developmental process, enabling physicians to appreciate the strengths and vulnerabilities of each patient. This overview chapter summarizes models of development, with a summary of major stage theorists. The section on biological development includes genetic, neurological, brain connectivity, and endocrinological considerations. The social-emotional development section summarizes learning theories, attachment, and object relations theory. The interplay of culture and development, including developmental complexities for ethnic minoritized children, is explored. Lastly, the chapter summarizes a transactional model for risk and resilience factors in shaping a child’s developmental course, including the import of epigenetics. The remaining chapters in this section include current conceptualizations and research on personality development, followed by chapters organized by developmental age: (1) infancy; (2) preschool; (3) school-age; (4) adolescence; (5) adult; and (6) older adults. The reader can turn to each of these chapters and come away with a clear understanding of the developmental changes that occur during each of these age categories. The special risks associated with each period of development that are relevant to the onset of psychiatric illness are reviewed.