The Psychiatric Interview is a unique book. It deals with the basic issues in psychiatric assessment-which, without guidance, may be distressingly difficult-and reduces them to easily digestible facts. This is a book for all those working in the field of psychiatric disorder. It will be invaluable to medical students and doctors training in general practice, emergency medicine and psychiatry. At a time when the assessment of psychiatric patients is the responsibility of a range of clinicians, The Psychiatric Interview will also be of assistance to clinical psychologists, social workers and psychiatric nurses. It will also have a place as a reference book for police and security officers. Approaching the personal interview as a special instance of all interpersonal relations, Sullivan outlines here what therapists need to know to set up a successful working relationship with a client. He discussion is conversational and concrete, based on case histories, and shows how therapist and client can keep the dialogue from detours, establish the framework best suited to their goals, and use their time to maximum advantage.