`The summaries of evidence have provided ready-made challenges to previously unquestioned medical options ... the book provides a challenging update on the nature of scientific inquiry.' - British Journal of Clinical Psychology Despite nearly one hundred years of research, very little progress has been achieved in the understanding of schizophrenic behaviour. There remains considerable uncertainty even about the fundamental features of the hypothesised illness. Reconstructing Schizophrenia subjects the difficult concept of schizophrenia to rigorous scientific, historical and sociological scrutiny. They ask why a biological defect has been assumed in the absence of hard evidence and look at what can be done psychologically to alleviate schizophrenic symptoms. Finally, they explore what new models and research strategies are required in order to understand schizophrenic behaviour. The result is a book that provides a distinctive and critical perspective on modern psychiatric theories and which demonstrates the severe limitations of an exclusively medical approach to understanding madness.

`The summaries of evidence have provided ready-made challenges to previously unquestioned medical options ... the book provides a challenging update on the nature of scientific inquiry.' - British Journal of Clinical Psychology Despite nearly one hundred years of research, very little progress has been achieved in the understanding of schizophrenic behaviour. There remains considerable uncertainty even about the fundamental features of the hypothesised illness. Reconstructing Schizophrenia subjects the difficult concept of schizophrenia to rigorous scientific, historical and sociological scrutiny. They ask why a biological defect has been assumed in the absence of hard evidence and look at what can be done psychologically to alleviate schizophrenic symptoms. Finally, they explore what new models and research strategies are required in order to understand schizophrenic behaviour. The result is a book that provides a distinctive and critical perspective on modern psychiatric theories and which demonstrates the severe limitations of an exclusively medical approach to understanding madness.

Modeling the Psychopathological Dimensions of Schizophrenia: From Molecules to Behavior is the first book to offer a comprehensive review of the new theoretical, clinical, and basic research framework that considers psychotic illness as a group of dimensional representations of psychopathology rather than as traditional distinct categorical diagnoses. Psychotic illness, typified by schizophrenia, is a devastating condition increasingly recognized as a disorder of abnormal brain development and dysconnectivity. Its complex etiology involves both genetic and environmental factors, as well as the interplay among them. This book describes the current understanding of the clinical and pathological features of schizophrenia, with a particular focus on the evolving conceptualization of schizophrenia and related diagnostic categories of psychotic illness as combinations of dimensional abnormalities. It provides an overview of modern strategies for generating cellular and whole animal models of schizophrenia as well as detailed reviews of the specific experimental preparations and paradigms aimed at molecular, developmental, and brain-network mechanisms that are the underlying aspects of abnormal behavior and various aspects of schizophrenia. This groundbreaking book is an authoritative overview of the translational impact of emerging clinical insights on basic research approaches in schizophrenia that will advance the reader’s understanding of the five major dimensions of psychopathology in schizophrenia and related psychoses and resolve the genetic and neurobiological underpinnings of these dimensions. Includes reviews of animal models that capture the most recent insights into the etiology and pathogenetic mechanisms of schizophrenia, with an emphasis on the translational potential of these models Contains a series of reviews of recently available cellular models for analysis of signaling pathways and gene expression, which complement behavioral neuroscience research in schizophrenia Edited and authored by leading researchers in the field of schizophrenia and related psychoses

Researchers in schizophrenia are beginning to uncover the secrets that have long puzzled clinicians and scientists alike. Research continues and treatment progresses to improve and stabilize the lives of patients with schizophrenia. Schizophrenia: From Mind to Molecule presents a change in the scientific understanding and outlook regarding this devastating disorder. It provides a thorough look at schizophrenia that includes neurobehavioral studies, traditional and emerging technologies, psychosocial and medical treatments, and future research opportunities.

Learn about a pioneering alternative to antipsychotic medication for schizophrenia! In Schizophrenia: Innovations in Diagnosis and Treatment, Dr. Colin A. Rossfounder of the Colin A. Ross Institute for Psychological Traumapresents a new theory of the existence of a dissociative subtype of schizophrenia. Dr. Ross determines that some patients diagnosed with schizophrenia have symptoms closely related to dissociative identity disorderor multiple personality disorderand have a history of psychological trauma. In these cases, this unprecedented book proposes that the disorder is treatableperhaps even curableusing psychotherapy rather than drugs. Schizophrenia: Innovations in Diagnosis and Treatment will revolutionize the profession of psychology with data, arguments, and a review of previously published literature to support Dr. Ross’s theory. Traditionally, schizophrenia is considered manageable only by a lifetime of psychotropic drugsexpensive, harmful, and often ineffectual. This book offers an alternative free of damaging chemicals to improve quality of life for patients with schizophrenia whose symptoms may be trauma-based. Schizophrenia: Innovations in Diagnosis and Treatment offers specific, detailed ideas and research on: genetic studies showing that while there is a genetic connection, it is not prevalent enough for biology to be the only predisposing factor in all cases of schizophrenia a comparison of the definitions of psychosis, schizophrenia, and dissociationfrom the DSM-IV-TR and other textsto determine relationships between the three disorders proposed diagnostic criteria for dissociative schizophreniadissociative amnesia, depersonalization, the presence of two or more distinct personalities/identities, auditory hallucinations, extensive comorbidity, and severe childhood trauma the principles of psychotherapy for dissociative schizophreniawhen to start therapy, trauma therapy, how to establish communication with the patient, and therapeutic neutrality and more! With an extensive bibliography of literatures on trauma, dissociation, and psychosis, as well as numerous tables and case studies, this volume presents a strong case for a fresh methodology in the treatment of this psychological abnormality. The theory provided by Dr. Ross brings hope for recovery to individuals with dissociative schizophrenia. This one-of-a-kind book is a must-read for psychiatrists, psychologists, and other professionals involved in research and/or treatment of schizophrenia. Its comprehensible text makes it useful for patients with schizophrenia and their family members as well.

Get a fair and balanced perspective on schizophrenia! Understanding and Treating Schizophrenia: Contemporary Research, Theory, and Practice is a comprehensive overview of schizophrenia and its treatment from a variety of approaches. The book presents a balanced look at the most influential theoretical perspectives based on empirical research, clinical descriptions, and narrative histories. Dr. Glenn Shean, author of Schizophrenia: An Introduction to Research and Theory, examines neurocognitive and neurodevelopmental models of brain dysfunction, psychodynamic and family factors, up-to-date pharmacological advances, and successful community programs for discharged patients suffering from this debilitating disorder. Understanding and Treating Schizophrenia: Contemporary Research, Theory, and Practice presents a comprehensive review of evidence concerning the epidemiology and course and outcome of schizophrenia based on theoretical groupings and levels of analysis. The book examines the evolution of diagnostic criteria and guidelines, as well as stress-vulnerability and diathesis-stress models, providing critical reviews of biological, genetic, cognitive-behavioral, and phenomenological, approach to understanding and treating schizophrenia. Topics addressed in Understanding and Treating Schizophrenia: Contemporary Research, Theory, and Practice include: the history of the concept of schizophrenia the writings of Emil Kraepelin and Eugene Bleuler changes in diagnostic guidelines in the last 50 years General System Theory Perspective diagnostic and statistical manuals Schneider's first rank symptoms and much more! Understanding and Treating Schizophrenia: Contemporary Research, Theory, and Practice is an essential resource for undergraduate and graduate students working in psychology, psychiatry, nursing, social work, and social policy.