Research on the nature and treatment of schizophrenia has undergone a revival and metamorphosis in the last decade. For a long while, the field had been moribund, weighed down by an unreliable diagnostic system, pessi mism about the possibility of new discoveries, and a dearth of research funds. A number of factors have seemingly coalesced to change this situa tion, with the result that the field is now alive with excitement and optimism. Four factors seem to have played important roles in the resurgence of interest. First, prior to the publication of DSM-III in 1980 there was no reliable diagnostic system for the disorder. Previous definitions were overly general and imprecise. Consequently, the label "schizophrenia" applied to a very heterogeneous group of severely disturhed patients. It was rarely clear whether two investigators had studied comparable samples, making it im possible to determine if (flew findings were generalizahle or if failures to replicate were due to the unreliahility of the results or the fact that the investigators had studied different disorders. DSM-III has not totally re solved this problem, but it has allowed scientists to reliably identify a much more homogeneous group. As a result, it is now possible to integrate the results of different studies, making it much more likely that we can make important advances. The second important factor was the development of new technologies that promised to help uncover the nature and etiology of the disorder.

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to sponsor continuing medical education for physicians.

Clinical Manual for the Treatment of Schizophrenia provides a uniquely multicultural and supremely patient-centered perspective on schizophrenia's core symptoms, its psychosocial effects, and its psychopharmacological and psychotherapeutic management.

The Clinical Manual for the Treatment of Schizophrenia provides a wide-ranging, empirically based review of assessment and treatment issues in schizophrenia, offered from a multicultural and supremely patient-centered perspective. The following features reflect the care taken in developing this manual, as well as the inclusive nature of the contents: The initial chapter offers a thorough introduction to the disease -- its history, etiology, epidemiology, risk factors, and social aspects -- seen through the lens of a case study. The chapter ends with an overview of the diagnostic process, allowing the reader to place what follows into context. The basic science underlying schizophrenia is explained next, with coverage of biological markers; brain structure, function, and cytology; the dopamine and glutamate hypotheses; and the neurodevelopmental model of the disease. The chapter on clinical assessment focuses on making the differential diagnosis according to established criteria, with emphasis on a person-oriented approach that takes into account early trauma, stressful events, and the subjective well-being of the patient. Subsequent chapters explore cognition, comorbidity, substance abuse, and treatment-resistant symptoms in schizophrenia. Finally, chapters on the pharmacological and psychosocial treatment of schizophrenia compare and contrast these approaches, ensuring that the reader is completely up-to-date and knowledgeable about available treatment options. Clinicians who work with schizophrenic patients in a variety of settings -- from private practice to emergency departments -- will benefit from the scholarship and experience of this manual's astute and insightful authors.

Reviewing the breadth of current knowledge on schizophrenia, this handbook provides clear, practical guidelines for effective assessment and treatment in diverse contexts. Leading authorities have contributed 61 concise chapters on all aspects of the disorder and its clinical management. In lieu of exhaustive literature reviews, each chapter summarizes the state of the science; highlights key points the busy practitioner needs to know; and lists recommended resources, including seminal research studies, invaluable clinical tools, and more. Comprehensive, authoritative, and timely, the volume will enable professionals in any setting to better understand and help their patients or clients with severe mental illness.

Drawing on the authors' decades of influential work in the field, this highly practical volume presents an evidence-based cognitive therapy approach for clients with schizophrenia. Guidelines are provided for collaborative assessment and case formulation that enable the clinician to build a strong therapeutic relationship, establish reasonable goals, and tailor treatment to each client's needs. Described in thorough, step-by-step detail are effective techniques for working with delusional beliefs, voices, visions, thought disorders, and negative symptoms; integrating cognitive therapy with other forms of treatment; reducing relapse risks; and enhancing client motivation. Special features include reproducible client handouts and assessment tools.