Current Developments In Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a relatively common disease whose lifetime prevalence in the general population is reported to be about 1%. From the perspective of public health, the illness has been associated with serious consequences. Besides psychotic symptoms, schizophrenia is characterised by disturbances of cognitive function, which is considered to largely determine the outcome of patients. The neural and genetic substrates underlying its pathophysiology have not been fully demarcated, posing a challenge for the development of breakthrough therapeutics. This book provides key information about the latest endeavour to solve these difficulties characterising this enigmatic disease.

Schizophrenia remains an important challenge to psychiatry, with its causes and underlying brain mechanisms yet to be fully revealed. Currently available treatments are neither universally effective nor without unwanted effects. These aspects, together with the high prevalence of schizophrenia, its often debilitating nature, and the associated family and social burden, make this mental disorder one of the most complex public health issues of our times. The purpose of the Advances in Schizophrenia Research series is to provide comprehensive periodic reviews of the wide range of research studies carried out around the world, with the dual purpose of solving the schizophrenia puzzle, and providing clues to new forms of treatment and prevention for this disorder. A special feature of the series is its broad scope, virtually encompassing all fields of schizophrenia research: epidemiology and risk factors; psychopathology; diagnostic boundaries; cognition; outcome and prognosis; pathophysiology; genetics; pharmacological and psychological forms of treatment and rehabilitation; community care; and stigmatization.

Original studies and authoritative reviews by four dozen experts from ten countries delineate the current state of biosocial research in schizophrenia. Recent developments world-wide on a broad range of issues including etiology, diagnosis, treatment and care delivery systems in schizophrenia research and management are presented, making this a resource for both researchers and clinicians in the mental health field.

I am honored to introduce readers to this extraordinary volume, the first in the annual International Perspectives Series: Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neurosciences. This particular volume on the Recent Advances In Schizophrenia stems from the Third Annual Pennsylvania Conference on Schizophrenia, held in March, 1988. At that international meeting, some of the most esteemed researchers in the field surveyed our current under standing of schizophrenia. Collectively, their presentations capture the excitement of a research field launching into a stage of rapid worldwide advancement. The last decade has seen an enormous refocusing of scientific effort on schizophrenia, directed, in large measure, by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Our understanding of this mysterious, disabling disorder in all its diversity has been enhanced by a host of technologies, including new neuroimaging techniques, cognitive psychology, molecular genetics, and anatomical, biochemical, and molecular neuropathology. The resulting growth spurt in our knowledge constitutes the essence of the conference and of this volume. As the following pages amply docu ment, it has been a decade of great progress, one in which we can take great pride. The science of our field has matured to the point that a major research thrust is now feasible-one likely to have enormous benefits for schizophrenic patients and their families. It is a very exciting time to be in this field and to participate in accelerating its advances.

Two leading schizophrenia researchers present an accessible and comprehensive guide to dealing with the disease. They provide key information on the integration of drugs and psychological treatments and discuss how family members can be a helpful part of the treatment process.