Synopsis
The origins and nature of schizophrenia have mystified researchers for decades. However, new technological developments and biological focuses have greatly advanced this exciting area of research over the past 20 years. "Origins and Development of Schizophrenia" presents the culmination of the work of leading researchers and theoreticians in experimental psychopathology, which sheds new light on the dark mysteries of this complex disorder. Drawing from an extensive range of empirically-based models and viewpoints on the nature of schizophrenia, the authors present their findings on schizophrenia's liability and aetiology, neurocognitive processes, approaches to vulnerability and developmental processes. Chapter authors fully acknowledge this disorder's complexity as they explore genetic, neurobiological, neurophysiological, cognitive, emotional and behavioural influences. Readers will find both present integrative models to account for the disorder and theoretical proposals that will serve as a foundation for the next wave of research into the pathogenesis of schizophrenia.
This volume should be a valuable resource for all researchers, clinician-researchers and graduate students - whether in psychology, psychiatry or medicine - who are interested in the causes and nature of schizophrenia.
