Schizophrenia Concepts and Clinical Management

Kraepelin, who in 1896 first defined the disorder now known as schizophrenia, appreciated that there were many difficulties with the concept, and believed that, since the cause of the disorder was essentially unknown, there could be no rational treatment. This authoritative 1999 text provides a wide-ranging survey of the disorder, including an extensive account of what was known about the underlying biology. The main part of the book covers clinical aspects, including differential and dual diagnosis, and treatment and management problems, particularly in relation to care in the community. Topics covered include brain imaging, genetics, pharmacology and neuropsychology, as well as chapters on health economics and forensic issues. The authors have extensive clinical experience with schizophrenia patients, and this book, which is unusual in its breadth and its concern for social and community issues, will be a valuable reference for all psychiatrists, and other health professionals involved in the management of schizophrenia.

1. Introduction; 2. Diagnostic issues: concepts of the disorder; 3. Diagnostic issues: aspects of differential diagnosis; 4. The pharmacological basis of schizophrenia; 5. Neuropathology and brain imaging in schizophrenia; 6. The neuropsychology of schizophrenia; 7. Epidemiology and genetics; 8. Service provision: the clinical perspective; 9. Special problem areas; 10. The pharmacological treatment of schizophrenia; 11. Social and psychological treatments; 12. Service provision: the economic perspective; 13. Legal and ethical issues.