Schizophrenia

School Library Journal

Gr 6-12-- Smith describes in a clear and uncluttered style the history, symptoms, and theories about the causes of the disease. He includes case studies and a comparison of treatments past and present, and speculates on the future. However, while he cites the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as his source, his definition of schizophrenia is incorrectly phrased, lacking in several important aspects, and as such, is a definition of psychosis. He also shows an antimedical bias by inferring that this is a social disease with medical overtones, reversing current thinking. Little coverage is given to medication that has revolutionized the way the illness is treated. Smith uses outdated terminology (antipsychotics, where neuroleptics is current); and leaves out Clozapine, the most dramatic newer drug for chronic schizophrenia. Black-and-white, glossy stock photos and reproductions include shots of patients in mental hospitals in Oregon and in China. The cover flap mentions homelessness as a major concern but this is not discussed as an issue; nor are problems for patients and society caused by deinstitutionalization. A list of organizations to contact and source notes (none later than 1988) are appended. Stick with Patrick Young's Schizophrenia (Chelsea, 1988). --Martha Gordon, South Salem Library, NY