Schizophrenia Today

Schizophrenia Today is a collection of papers presenting conflicting viewpoints on schizophrenia and some focal subjects for future research. The book deals with the definition of schizophrenia and presents various advances in understanding the condition. The text surveys the problems of epidemiology and symptomatology in terms of the etiology and pathogenesis of schizophrenia. Several papers present the societal and cultural aspects of the problem on issues of clinical overview; international collaboration in schizophrenia research; and the societal determinants of schizophrenic behavior. Other papers then discuss the genetic and biochemical approaches in dealing with schizophrenia. One paper concludes that genetic factors play a significant role in the etiology of schizophrenia. The text also reviews the studies conducted by Rolf Gjessing, establishing that mood changes in mental state are related to changes in autonomic activity, metabolic rate, and nitrogen balance. The book also discusses the pharmacological and psychotherapeutic approaches in treating the problem. One paper deals with the personal experience of the writer in using psychoanalysis for treating schizophrenia. The collection will prove valuable for psychiatrists, psychologists, psychoanalysts, and students and researchers dealing with mental diseases.