Schizophrenia And Related Syndromes (Paperback)

by P. J. Mckenna (Author) "Schizophrenia confronts the clinician with a range of symptoms which is remarkably diverse and disconcertingly large..." (more)
Key Phrases: functional dopamine excess, catatonic phenomena, affective unresponsiveness, Research Diagnostic Criteria, International Pilot Study of Schizophrenia, Present State Examination (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
Although books on schizophrenia are ten a penny, this one is worth having. It is the best British book I have read concerning the core abnormalities in schizophrenia. The descriptions of the cardinal symptoms are clear and memorable, and Dr McKenna provides an excellent account of phenomenology… the chapter on neuropsychology is exceptionally good and brings the complicated psychological theories of schizophrenia well into the grasp of almost all MRC Psych candidates and most examiners… This book gives a picture of a clinician who knows his subject and patients well. Those readers who work near Cambridge should send their most difficult schizophrenia patients to Dr McKenna; the rest of us must content ourselves with buying this book and applying his insights to our own patients. – Professor Robin Murray, British Journal of Psychiatry

Product Description
The incidence of aggression and violence is of wide concern. It is therefore vital that we try to understand the mechanisms involved. This book outlines definitions and theories of aggressive behavior and points out the contribution of both biological and psychological factors. Aggression primarily occurs within an interpersonal exchange and is often accompanied by increased arousal and negative feelings. It is most likely to occur in response to provocation but individuals differ in what they consider constitutes provocation. Aggressive behavior is both multicausal and multifaceted but in order to study it, we have to break it down into components and find ways in which to measure these.

This book describes a body of research examining the conditions under which the behavioral, affective and physiological components of aggression are elicited. A specific experimental technique which measures behavioral aggression in the laboratory is described. The task was found to be sensitive to individual differences in aggressive disposition. Aggression is not, however, confined to a small group of extremely hostile individuals. Alcohol or substance abuse is often associated with aggression in the general population. The results of some studies examining the effects of alcohol and Benzodiazepines on the feelings and behavior of healthy volunteers are reported. The way in which people appraise a situation influences the way they feel and behave. These drugs, therefore, impair the ability to process socially relevant information which, in turn, lowers the threshold at which aggressive behavior is likely to occur. It is only by continuing to study the complex interaction between pharmacological and psychological factors that we will gain more insight into the processes underlying aggressive behavior.

Product Details

• Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: Psychology Press; 1 edition (April 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0863777902
• ISBN-13: 978-0863777905
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,571,847 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Single most accurate summary of the field, July 27, 2004

By	T Cullen - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Despite the fact that it was written more than 10 years ago this book remains head and shoulders the single best text on the the subject. Well written, scholarly and appropriately skeptical.