This book investigates the complex behavioral and psychological indicators of crisis in children and adolescents to provide parents with actionable intervention strategies. Authors David Behrens and Patricia Doyle utilize their clinical backgrounds to categorize common manifestations of distress, ranging from substance abuse to eating disorders. The text serves as a diagnostic framework for identifying warning signs and implementing constructive communication and support systems within the family unit.

Readers frequently note the accessible, direct tone of the prose, which prioritizes clarity for parents in high-stress situations. Experts highlight this as a foundational reference for identifying early warning signs of adolescent distress.