Main description:

In this book, the most recent results in the field of schizophrenia research are presented and critically evaluated by prominent scientists from the different investigative areas. Topics presented include: the concept of schizophrenia and its classification in the different diagnostic systems; the epidemiology of schizophrenia; risk-factors for the course and outcome of the disease; genetic models of schizophrenia and contributions from genetic studies to the understanding of its etiology; psychological and psychophysiological models of schizophrenia; critical evaluation of biological hypotheses of schizophrenia plus contributions from neuroanatomical and neurochemical studies; and vulnerability and trigger models of schizophrenia. The book offers a comprehensive report and critical assessment of the present state of knowledge with the aim of formulating new working hypotheses and research strategies.

Contents:

Contents: Introduction.- History, Classification, and Research Strategies.- Epidemiology and Course of Schizophrenia.- The Genetics of Schizophrenia.- Psychological and Psychophysiological Models of Schizophrenia.- Biological Hypotheses on Schizophrenia.- Vulnerability and Trigger Models/Rehabilitation.- Closing Comments.-Search for the Causes of Schizophrenia: Summary and Outlook.- Author Index.- Subject Index.