Schizophrenia

'Professor Alanen's book may be the most comprehensive treatise on schizophrenia in 25 years.'- Stephen Fleck, M.D'Given increasing and often counterproductive pressure for a 'quick fix' of psychiatric conditions, Yrjo Alanen's Schizophrenia: its Origins and Need-Adapted Treatment is a timely and important contribution. In contrast to the world-wide trend for simple solutions to complex psychological disorders, the author opposes reductionist and dehumanizing approaches to patients.'Alanen masterfully integrates knowledge on schizophrenia whether it derives from psychodynamic or biological studies. He then proceeds to illustrate how this integrated knowledge is the foundation of a 'need-adapted' method designed to treat psychotic individuals. The beauty of this method, which is predominantly psychotherapeutic and includes family meetings, is that it can be utilized within public health care systems.'Alanen's clarity of thought in explaining his approach to his patients is matched with his empathic understanding of his patients' inner worlds and their familial and societal problems. This book includes memorable case vignettes along with research findings. I recommend this book not only for clinicians, students and teachers of mental health but also for those in public policy who are charged to design effective treatment methods.'- Vamik D. Volkan, M.D.'The appearance [in English] of this important book will be welcomed by all those struggling to deepen their understanding of psychotic mental illness.'- Murray Jackson

• Preface and Acknowledgements -- Foreword -- Introduction -- Three patients -- General notes on schizophrenia -- The origins of schizophrenia: an attempt at synthesis -- Contemporary ways of treating schizophrenia and psychotherapy research -- Need-adapted treatment of schizophrenic psychoses: development, principles, and results -- Therapeutic experiences -- Treatment of schizophrenia and society