Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is one of the most challenging brain disorders a mental health professional can face, yet its causes and cure remain elusive. Written by experts from a wide range of psychiatric disciplines to serve as a singular resource, Essentials of Schizophrenia clearly defines the current knowledge of the nature, causes, and treatment of this disorder and puts the many misconceptions about this disabling illness into perspective. Schizophrenia is so devastating because it robs people of the very things that make them human – their personality and intellect. Symptoms typically have their onset in early adulthood, and the disorder often leaves the individual permanently disabled. This book leads readers through questions surrounding this debilitating disorder, from an historical overview and review of epidemiology to consideration of comorbid conditions. Key topics covered in this text include: Identification of early signs of cognitive impairment and the resulting psychopharmalogical treatment strategies for improving social or vocational function. Role of antipsychotics, antianxiety/hypnotics, antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and dopamine agonists in treatment and associated side effects. Current proven psychosocial interventions that augment and complement drug therapy, and increased patient involvement in choice of treatment modality. Keys to early identification of individuals who are vulnerable to schizophrenia, and the potential for earlier intervention and treatment. Optimal treatment approaches for first episodes to increase the likelihood of full recovery. Answers to frequently asked questions raised by psychiatrists in daily encounters with their patients with schizophrenia. A must-read for anyone involved in the care and treatment of individuals with schizophrenia, Essentials of Schizophrenia helps the reader better understand the disorderin an accessible format. Squarely confronting a misunderstood disease that has caused great suffering and disability, this textbook serves as a dependable source of knowledge for current psychiatric professionals as well as the next generation of students and clinicians to come.

Despite growing awareness in the psychiatric community of the multifaceted medical needs of the severely mentally ill, statistics show that as much as 60% of all schizophrenia patients die prematurely from nonpsychiatric medical conditions – in part because many physicians have not yet recognized how to properly treat common diseases and illnesses within this complex patient population. Medical Illness and Schizophrenia, Second Edition, is the only clinical guide to focus exclusively on the treatment of common medical comorbidities among patients with schizophrenia. Like its best-selling predecessor, the book compiles the latest research and clinical information on integrating medical and psychiatric care for the schizophrenia patient. Twenty-eight physicians and psychiatrists, including editors Jonathan M. Meyer, M.D., and Henry A. Nasrallah, M.D., lend their expertise to this new, expanded edition. In fifteen chapters, this volume covers a wide range of common medical problems – from metabolic and heart conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, hyperlipidemia, obesity and diabetes, to substance abuse and smoking. Each chapter concludes with «Key Clinical Points» that summarize important concepts and ensure reader retention. Additionally, the second edition includes new chapters that touch on some of the most complex clinical issues in the field of schizophrenia treatment today: Recent trends in the integration of medical and mental healthcare Behavioral treatments for weight loss in persons with schizophrenia Treatment of sexual dysfunction among persons treated for schizophrenia Health outcomes of schizophrenia treatment in children and adolescents Health outcomes of schizophrenia treatment during pregnancy and breastfeeding As the only clinical text of its kind, Medical Illness and Schizophrenia, Second Edition, is an invaluable resource for psychiatrists, nurses, healthcare professionals, and psychiatric and clinical residents. The goal of this text has always been to help clinicians recognize schizophrenia as both a brain disorder and a systemic disease with multiple manifestations that go beyond the obvious psychiatric symptoms – and thus take a broader approach to treatment of schizophrenia. This new edition is a comprehensive, practical manual that serves as a reference for the medical management of seriously mentally ill patients across the age spectrum in both inpatient and outpatient settings.