Social psychiatry has developed into a broad discipline. Due to the complexity of the field, it is necessarily multidisciplinary in both clinical and scientific areas. This handbook aims to cover the current state of knowledge across the many research and activity areas. Volume 1 addresses the fundamentals of social psychiatry in 33 chapters, incorporating historical, conceptual, social scientific, neurobiological, as well as ethical and legal aspects. Volume 2 consists of 43 chapters on practical approaches, ranging from the prevention of mental illnesses to forms of care and therapeutic methods. Four chapters also feature voices from individuals affected by mental illness. Sections on performance rights and general topics complete the handbook.