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The authors assess the advantages and disadvantages of data systems in child psychiatry. After careful review of this topic, the authors conclude that the use of standardized collection of clinical data, computer storage of those data, standardized methods of documentation of treatment offered, and standardized methods of documentation of outcome will all be used increasingly in the future.

Adopted children suffer an increased incidence of psychopathology and are therefore commonly seen in consultation and treatment. Due to current trends making it increasingly possible for adolescents to locate their biologic parents, therapists must respond by at least considering the involvement of the biologic parent in the treatment. In certain carefully selected cases of severely disturbed and very resistant youngsters, it may be the participation of the biologic mother which is crucial to the adolescent's working through a common, core intrapsychic psychopathologic configuration involving idealization of the lost biologic mother and splitting of object relations. A case is presented as an example of how such an approach can be helpful.

Troubled children of divorced families represent a substantial portion of clinical practice. Adolescent development involves regression with a propensity for movement into relationships characterized by splitting. Parental divorce and continued conflict may exaggerate this process as the adolescent finds it far too easy to perceive one parent as right (gratifying) and the other as wrong (frustrating). A multistage treatment program is outlined involving the divorced parents together with the adolescent. Indications and contraindications are discussed.