Psychiatric Intervention in Infancy: A Review

The present paper discusses the concept of infant psychiatry and assesses a variety of treatment approaches which have been used with psychologically disturbed infants. Psychoanalysis, behavior therapy, and various forms of parental counseling by both pediatricians and mental health professionals are evaluated critically. Short- and long-term effects of early infant stimulation programs are discussed. Finally, the importance of collaboration among the various professional groups caring for infants is stressed and the need for further research emphasized.