Women and Schizophrenia
John McGrath editor David J Castle editor Jayashri Kulkarni editor
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Cambridge University Press
Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back
This book examines how being female affects onsets and nature of schizophrenia, and the implications of this for treatment.
This comprehensive review of a complex area is as much about women as it is about schizophrenia, encompassing the biological, endocrinological, epidemiological, reproductive, psychological and social aspects of schizophrenia as experienced by women. Femaleness impacts significantly on the onset and nature of schizophrenia suffered by women: the female brain develops more rapidly than the male; estrogens produce antipsychotic effects; the female brain ages differently from the male, with a massive preponderance of female very-late-onset schizophrenia which may be related to a relative excess of dopamine D2 receptors. An international, multidisciplinary team of clinicians and mental health researchers review past and current literature, assess the sex-specific issues and evaluate their therapeutic, clinical and social implications for more appropriate and effective treatments of schizophrenia in women now and in the future. It is essential reading for all clinicians, practitioners and researchers involved with mental health and also with women's health.
'… an excellent presented example of the benefits of taking a view of psychiatry that is neither gender-blind nor using the male as prototypical … Women and Schizophrenia is a well-edited and readable little book with clear discussions on a variety of issues, from the neurological to the psychosocial. I strongly recommend its thought-provoking approach, which could help provide improved services both for women and their families and for men, as our understanding of Schizophrenia increases.' Fiona Subotsky, Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry
'Did I imagine it, or did this book really attract side-long glances from fellow travellers as I read it on interminably delayed train journeys? True, the cover is bright and attractive rather than erudite: the book itself is a bit of both … it brings things together clearly and offers a stimulating and enjoyable read.' Susan M. Benbow, International Geriatric Psychiatry
'Women and Schizophrenia is at its best when addressing the impact of schizophrenia on women's lives and the ways in which treatment regimes can help to alleviate problems.' Helen Pattison, British Medical Journal
'… provides comprehensive reviews covering the medical (neurobiological and hormonal) aspect of gender differences in schizophrenia.' Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry
'… this book provides an excellent and learned update on the neurobiological, epidemiological, clinical, hormonal and reproductive factors influencing the impact of the illness in both sexes … Among the many interesting issues raised throughout the book is that the prevalence of the illness remains relatively stable despite evidence of a genetic influence in its transmission.' Australia and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry
ISBN: 9780521786171
Dimensions: 247mm x 175mm x 15mm
Weight: 395g
164 pages