When should an LDS missionary stay on a mission, despite mental health challenges? When should they go home early? Spiritual growth is more accelerated and intense on a mission than in regular life. While a mission is a deeply rewarding experience, it can also be stressful. L. Marlene Payne, MD, has been a psychiatrist for over 40 years, specializing in child and adolescent psychiatry. She has treated many LDS missionaries over the decades. Dr. Payne received the highest award given by the American Psychiatric Association, the Distinguished Life Fellow, for her years of service to the community. In this book Dr. Marlene Payne provides a guide to mental health for missionaries, their families, church leaders and therapists. Through anonymous case studies and personal interviews with mission presidents and returned missionaries, she addresses the most common psychiatric disorders, their definition, course, and treatment, including: bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, body dysmorphic disorder and Asperger's syndrome. Dr. Payne also advises ecclesiastical leaders and ward members on how they can best help when a missionary comes home early. But most importantly, she offers valuable advice on how a missionary can stay on and complete a successful mission.