Covered in the Journal

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) and the mental health-related chapter of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD) each seek to establish a codified method for defining and diagnosing mental illness. The DSM, created by the American Psychiatric Association, and the ICD, created by the World Health Organization (WHO), serve as the major classification systems for the United States and international community, respectively. They have become an important method for communication about mental health, not only for clinicians and researchers, but also for policy makers, drug regulation agencies, and insurance companies. This month’s cover image, inspired by the articles of Polanczyk et al (p. 210), Reiersen et al (p. 217), and Eddy et al (p. 277), represents the DSM and ICD moving through time and editions, over a sea of data points. The image may also be taken to reflect the hope that as the DSM and ICD approach their fifth and eleventh iterations, respectively, they will also move towards a convergence of their separate systems to create a single, data-based classification for sharing standardized information about mental health throughout the world.
Cover art by Socorro Rivera; text by Mary Billingsley

The Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry is the flagship journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and is the leading journal focusing exclusively on today's psychiatric research and treatment of the child and adolescent. Published twelve times per year, each issue is committed to its mission of advancing the science of pediatric mental health and promoting the care of youth and their families.

The JAACAP editorial team is led by Dr. Andrés Martin, MD, MPH, Editor-in-Chief, and Dr. James J. Hudziak, MD, Associate Editor.

JAACAP’s 2008 impact factor of 4.845 secures its standing as the top-ranked journal in the categories of pediatrics and of child and adolescent mental health. JAACAP ranks first of 86 journals in pediatrics, and tenth of 101 journals in psychiatry.

The Journal's purpose is to advance research, clinical practice, and theory in child and adolescent psychiatry. It is interested in manuscripts from diverse viewpoints, including genetic, epidemiological, neurobiological, cognitive, behavioral, psychodynamic, social, cultural, and economic. Studies of diagnostic reliability and validity, psychotherapeutic and psychopharmacological treatment efficacy, and mental health services effectiveness are encouraged. The Journal also seeks to promote the well-being of children and families by publishing scholarly papers on such subjects as health policy, legislation, advocacy, culture and society, and service provision as they pertain to the mental health of children and families.