Christian Eggers – författare

In order to treat a patient successfully, the root cause of the illness must be known. In many cases, there are differing theories regarding the etiology of an illness. Such is the case with schizophrenia. Here, in addition to neurobiological factors, other areas have been recognized as playing an important role in the onset of illness. These include genetic factors, development during early childhood and youth, as well as the family. All of these factors have to be taken into consideration when deciding on an appropriate form of therapy for the patient. This volume covers varying approaches to therapy, such as individual psychotherapy, systemic therapy, psychoeducative approaches, pharmacotherapy and rehabilitation, each of which places the emphasis in a different area.

Die Vorzüge des Buches Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie liegen in einer praxisbezogenen und lebensnahen Wissensvermittlung, die weiterhin gegenüber wissenschaftlichen Theorien im Vordergrund steht, sowie in einer vortrefflichen didaktischen Aufbereitung durch vier erfahrene und weithin bekannte Autoren. Dieses kompakte Werk eignet sich sowohl als Lehrbuch für Studenten der Medizin, der Psychologie, der Sonder- und Sozialpädagogik und angrenzender Fächer als auch als Nachschlagewerk für Ärzte für Kinder- und Nervenheilkunde, Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie und Allgemeinmedizin sowie für Diplompsychologen, Pädagogen und benachbarte Berufe.

Schizophrenia, described by Karl Jaspers "the enigma of humani­ ty itself;'' has lost little of its enigmatic quality despite intensive research efforts alI over the world. Indeed, the results of in­ numerable neurobiological, psychological, and psychoanalytic studies have furthered confusion rather than an understanding of the issues. The split, rooted in the tradition of the last century, be­ tween those studying the "psyche" and those more interested in "organic" explanations continues to grow wider. National and in­ ternational classification schemes, ever being revised and ever in need of further revision, are but a last helpless attempt to stern the tide of confusion. In view of the many and complex factors involved in the etiology of schizophrenia, it is very tempting to seek relief in one-dimen­ sional explanatory models. But too often, having developed such a model, one becomes inclined to shut one eye or the other (or both?) and entrench oneself in what appears to be afirm, unshak­ able position. It therefore seemed time to step aside and take stock of the present focuses of research and scientific viewpoints, to try and see whether it might be possible to build bridges between the various lines of research into and theories about the etiology and treatment of schizophrenia.