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Schizophrenia: An Overview

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 October 2014

I. Harry Minas ,
Henry Jackson ,
Peter Doherty  and
Pat McGorry
I. Harry Minas*
Affiliation:
Aubrey Lewis Clinical Research Unit, Royal Park Psychiatric Hospital
Henry Jackson
Affiliation:
Department of Clinical Psychology, Royal Park Psychiatric Hospital
Peter Doherty
Affiliation:
Psychiatrist Superintendent, Plenty Hospital
Pat McGorry
Affiliation:
Aubrey Lewis Clinical Research Unit, Royal Park Psychiatric Hospital
*
Aubrey Lewis Clinical Research Unit, Royal Park Psychiatric Hospital, Royal Park, Vic. 3052
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Abstract

An overview of schizophrenia is presented. The epidemiology and clinical features of this common but serious psychiatric disorder are outlined. Four case vignettes illustrate different presentations and, to some extent, the varying course of the disorder. Diagnostic issues are discussed and the heterogeneity of the disorder highlighted. The major aetiological hypotheses are outlined, including evidence for genetic and biochemical involvement, the role of family, social and personality factors, psychological mechanisms and life events. A diathesis-stress view is presented, in which biological vulnerability and psychological and environmental factors are necessary for the development of the clinical disorder. Somatic and psychosocial treatments are briefly discussed as are the course, possible outcomes and factors affecting prognosis. Finally some future research directions in both the biological and psychosocial areas are considered.

Type
Articles
Information
Behaviour Change , Volume 2 , Issue 2 , June 1985 , pp. 80 - 93
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s) 1985

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References

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