As Editor of The American Journal of Family Therapy since 1976, I am glad to introduce this special issue, “Proposal That Parental Alienation Be Accepted as a Diagnosis.” During the years, we have had other special issues and welcome suggestions from our readers about other topics of interest. Having served as a contributor to this group, spearheaded by Dr. William Bernet, the concept of parental alienation syndrome, parental alienation in general, and now parental alienation disorder is an often misused and misunderstood term by mental health professionals as well as members of the legal community whether it be an attorney, judge, or guardian ad litem. This special issue will summarize this important topic by providing the history, guidelines, and findings for the applicability of this concept and clarifying those questions frequently asked.
