The proposed book has received worldwide recognition as one of the best manuals on psychiatry. An objective, comprehensive overview of the current state of this field of knowledge is given in a concise, accessible form. Its authors intended to provide mainly introductory information on clinical psychiatry. The first volume of this edition contains a description of mental disorders, corresponding symptoms and syndromes. Much attention is paid to the methodology of clinical examination, accepted classification systems, issues of etiology and treatment methods. The second volume contains chapters devoted to narrow specialties (in particular child, geriatric, forensic psychiatry), biological and psychological methods of treatment, organization of psychiatric services, etc. The guide is intended for those entering the field of psychiatry; it will help medical students deepen their knowledge in this area; psychiatrists and general practitioners will find it useful as a reference book. Its value also lies in the fact that it allows our reader to become familiar with the trends and approaches of modern Western psychiatry.