Schizophrenia: A Very Short IntroductionSchizophrenia is the archetypal form of madness. Schizophrenia is a common disorder and has a devastating effect on sufferers and their families-patients typically hear voices in their heads and hold bizarre beliefs. The schizophrenic patient presented to the public in sensational press reports and lurid films bears little resemblance to reality of the illness. This book describes what schizophrenia is really like, how the illness progresses, and the treatments that have been applied. It also summarizes the most up-to-date knowledge available about the biological bases of this disorder. Finally it attempts to give some idea of what it is like to have schizophrenia and what this disorder tells us about the relationship between mind and brain. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable. |
Contents
Intellectual functioning in schizophrenia | |
Schizophrenia and drugs | |
Biological factors | |
Environmental factors | |
Understanding the symptoms of schizophrenia | |
The importance of schizophrenia | |
References | |
Further reading | |
Index | |
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ability able abnormality actions activity amphetamine antipsychotic drugs areas associated auditory hallucinations basis became behaviour believed biological brain called cause changes Chapter clear clinical cognitive concept condition considered cortex delusions dementia described diagnosis of schizophrenia difficult disease disorder dopamine effects emotional episode evidence example executive experience factors frontal function genetic hallucinations hand hospital idea impairment important increased individual institution involved John Journal kind known later madness mental illness mind movements negative normal observed occur particular patients with schizophrenia performance person physical positive possible present Press problem processes produce Psychiatry psychological psychosis psychotic receptors reduced regions relatives reported responsibility risk seen severe similar social specific speech studies suffering suggested symptoms talking task tests things thought treated treatment trying understanding University violence voices widely