Schizophrenia Researchers -
Following is a list of some of the researchers who are helping most
to advance the science as well as the public understanding of schizophrenia.
It's an exciting time in schizophrenia biology and genetics today -
with advancements and research papers on many new genes involved in
schizophrenia coming out on a monthly basis. The work being done by
"Decode Genetics, Inc." in particular seems to be some of
the most forward looking and progressive. Decode's work represents the
first time a gene has been identified by two independent studies to
be associated with schizophrenia.
Dr. E. Fuller Torrey - Stanley Medical Research Institute
Early Psychosis
Treatment Guide - Year 2002, University of British
Columbia - Note: this is a large (3 MB) PDF file
and it may take a few minutes to download if you have a slow internet
connection).
Recommended Advanced Books on
the Biology of Schizophrenia
These books cover the science, biology and genetics of schizophrenia.
"Nature via Nurture", while not specifically a book about schizophrenia
- has an entire chapter (Chapter 4 - The Madness of Causes) on the genetics
and environmental influences of schizophrenia. Overall, the book is a
well-written and very enjoyable book about the interplay of genes and
environment in human development. Dr. Nancy Andreason's and Dr. Irv Gottesman's
books are good in-depth college-level books covering schizophrenia by
two of the leading researchers that are focused on schizophrenia.
Psychiatric
Genetics and Genomics by Peter McGuffin (Editor), Michael J Owen
(Editor), Irving I Gottesman (Editor), Publisher: Oxford University
Press; (December 2, 2002), ISBN: 0192631489
Brave New Brain: Conquering Mental Illness in the Era of the Genome
by Nancy C. Andreasen, Publisher: Oxford University Press; (April 2001)
ISBN: 0195145097 (HARDCOVER) "Excellent introductions to
neuroscience, brain imaging, and genetics. Outstanding overviews of
what is known about the neuroscience and genetics of the major psychiatric
disorders of schizophrenia, mood disorders, dementia, and anxiety disorders.
The descriptions of the history and neuroscience of medication are especially
good."--Nature
The
BROKEN BRAIN by Nancy C. Andreasen (Author), Publisher: Perennial;
Reprint edition (November 1985) ISBN: 0060912723 (Note: this is an old
book -- over 15 years old -- and should only be referenced if the more
recent books listed above are not available. Information in the field
of genetics is progressing rapidly, and a book that is 15 years old
is truly ancient).
Recommended Professional Books on Schizophrenia
and Psychiatric Drugs
Psychiatric
Genetics and Genomics by Peter McGuffin (Editor), Michael J Owen
(Editor), Irving I Gottesman (Editor), Publisher: Oxford University
Press; (December 2, 2002), ISBN: 0192631489
Practice
Guidelines for the Treatment of Patients with Schizophrenia by American
Psychiatric Association, APA, Publisher: Amer Psychiatric Pr; 1st edition
(January 15, 1997) ISBN: 0890423091. Developed by experts on schizophrenia
and exhaustively reviewed by APA members, the American Psychiatric Association
Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients With Schizophrenia
provides therapists with a set of patient care strategies that will
aid their clinical decision making. Note: This publication is usually
available on-line for free at: The
American Psychiatric Association website
Schizophrenia
by Steven R. Hirsch (Editor), Daniel R. Weinberger (Editor), Penny R.
Mitchell, Publisher: Blackwell Publishers; 2nd Revision edition (March
2003) ISBN: 0632063882
Insight
and Psychosis by Xavier F. Amador (Editor), Anthony S. David (Editor),
David Amador, Publisher: Oxford University Press; (January 1998) ISBN:
0195084977
Paranoid
schizophrenia - These persons are very suspicious of others
and often have grand schemes of persecution at the root of their
behavior. Halluciations and delusions are prominent.
Disorganized
schizophrenia (Hebephrenic Schizophrenia) - In this case the
person is verbally incoherent and may have moods and emotions that
are not appropriate to the situation. Hallucinations are not usually
present.
Catatonic
schizophrenia - In this case, the person is extremely withdrawn,
negative and isolated, and has marked psychomotor disturbances.
Residual
schizophrenia - In this case the person is not currently suffering
from delusions, hallucinations, or disorganized speech and behavior,
but lacks motivation and interest in day-to-day living.
Schizoaffective
disorder - These people have symptoms of schizophrenia as well
as mood disorder such as major depression, bipolar mania, or mixed
mania.
Undifferentiated
Schizophrenia - Conditions meeting the general diagnostic criteria
for schizophrenia but not conforming to any of the above subtypes,
or exhibiting the features of more than one of them without a clear
predominance of a particular set of diagnostic characteristics.
Schizophrenia Genetics, Research Organizations,
and Related Information
Schizophrenia Genetics
Database
for Schizophrenia candidate genes - "The Database for Schizophrenia
candidate genes focusing on Variations(VSD) includes the genes that
contains polymorphisms related with schizophrenia. Has also information
about the metabolic pathways in an easy-to-use interface."
Decode Genetics,
Inc.(Iceland) Note: The founder of Decode Genetics, Dr. Stefansson
has a considerable emotional investment in the disease because his
elder brother has schizophrenia.
Early
Schizophrenia Screening Test 
