The term minimal brain damage is evaluated in the light of several experiments on about 200 adolescents: no treatment in a democratic children's community; the effect of psychic energizers; electrosleep; biofeedback training for alpha wave desynchronization; deconditioning of phobias; and nutritional/medical treatment. (Author)

The role of child psychiatry is discussed, and the child is described as a developing organism. Genetic factors in behavior are considered as are the presenting problems. Methods treated involve taking the history, conducting the diagnostic interview, using special diagnostic procedures, and applying diagnostic classification. Problem areas dealt…