Schizophrenia (Concepts and Clinical Management)

Synopsis

Wide-ranging 1999 survey of the disorder, including neurobiological, socioeconomic and clinical management issues.

Jeffrey S. Ross

This is a review book on the clinical aspects of schizophrenia, ranging from epidemiology to pathophysiology, and from diagnosis to treatment. The purpose is to provide a wide-ranging survey of schizophrenia in order to improve research and facilitate a common understanding of what is currently known about this devastating mental illness. These are clearly worthy objectives, though they duplicate those of other review books on the market. The book is written primarily for psychiatrists and other health professionals involved in the care and research of schizophrenia. The main author is an internationally renowned authority on schizophrenia. Along with her University of Edinburgh colleagues, she does an excellent job in her review of this complex illness. The strengths of this text appear to be superb organization and complete reviews of the many aspects of schizophrenia. The authors begin, quite logically, with an overview of purpose; then they launch into an historical perspective on the evolution of our knowledge. They then follow with reviews of various biological underpinnings, including neurologic, pharmacologic, and genetic perspectives of both pathophysiology and treatment. In keeping with their attempt to be thorough, they fully recognize the social aspects of schizophrenia, covering topics such as deinstitutionalization, social and psychological treatments, and legal and ethical issues. This appears to be a very worthwhile addition to the library of any mental health professional responsible for the research, diagnosis, or treatment of schizophrenia. The book is a concise review of the major facets of this illness, and the authors do not get lost in the details or omitimportant topics. It is a very well written text, well organized and well balanced in approach, and I highly recommend it.