Child psychiatry in Britain--the last 30 years.

The development of child and adolescent psychiatry over the last thirty years is described with emphasis on the ideas and concepts which have become a characteristic feature of clinical practice and research. Aspects of training, innovations in practice and the relationship with paediatrics are discussed and the growing participation in international bodies concerned with mental health is outlined. The specialty is now well established and is attracting physicians of high calibre to its ranks. Multidisciplinary collaboration is still a strong feature but has taken a different form in the light of new developments in clinical and developmental child psychology and psychiatric social work.