Advances in the Neurobiology of Schizophrenia

Book excerpt: Recent years have witnessed major advances in the study of neuroscience which have increased our understanding of the relationship between cerebral processes and behavioural, cognitive and emotional disorders. This series aims to monitor important research developments in the field of biological psychiatry and their relevance to clinical practice. Since the 1950s there has been significant progress in our understanding of the neurobiology of schizophrenia. This important volume illustrates these new developments, particularly in terms of pharmacotherapeutics, pathogenesis and research methodology. Eminent scientists from around the world discuss conceptual issues, epidemiology, genetic analysis of psychotic disturbances, neuropathological changes and brain imaging studies, atypical neuroleptics, psychopharmacology of schizophrenia, neuropeptide involvement, neurophysiology and information processing in schizophrenia. Also highlighted are the similarities between childhood developmental disorders and schizophrenia, as well as the relatively neglected area of biological factors in childhood psychosis and their predictive value in adult psychopathology. Psychiatrists, neuroscientists, pharmacologists, psychologists, physicians and general practitioners will find this authoritative state-of-the-art review important and informative reading.