Schizophrenia is one of the most challenging brain disorders a mental health professional can face, yet its causes and cure remain illusive. Written by experts from a wide range of psychiatric disciplines from the United States and Europe to serve as a singular resource, Essentials of Schizophrenia clearly defines the current knowledge of the nature, causes and treatment of this disorder and puts the many misconceptions about this disabling illness into perspective.
Schizophrenia is so devastating because it robs people of the very things that make them human-their personality and intellect. Symptoms typically have their onset inearlyadulthood, and the disorder often leaves the individual permanently disabled. This book leads readers through questions surrounding this debilitating disorder, from an historical overview and review of epidemiology to consideration of comorbid conditions. Both genetic and environmental causes are reviewed, along with all of the leading theories of schizophrenia-neurodevelopmental, neurochemical, and neuroprogressive. A review of the latest neuroimaging studies gives practicing clinicians, students, teachers, and other mental health care professionals insight into altered brain circuitry.Key topics covered in this text include:
A must-read for anyone involved in the care and treatment of individuals with schizophrenia, Essentials of Schizophrenia helps the reader better understand the disorder by presenting psychiatric medicine's most authoritative knowledge on the topic. Squarely confronting a misunderstood disease that has caused great suffering and disability, this textbook serves as a dependable source of knowledge for current psychiatric professionals as well as the generation of students, scientists, and clinicians to come.
