Schizophrenia

"Synthesizing research on the psychology and biology of schizophrenia, Beck et al. show how a cognitive approach can be used to understand and treat even the most severely ill patient. This book is a masterpiece that challenges conventional thinking and describes one of the most exciting developments in psychiatry today. It is essential reading for all mental health professionals."--Richard Bentall, PhD, Professor of Clinical Psychology, University of Bangor, UK "This volume offers a window into the world of an individual with schizophrenia by revealing how disturbed neurobiology can cause normal thought processes to evolve into psychosis. The authors describe how both clinicians and patients can better understand schizophrenia symptoms using CBT--and how the process of doing so can be powerfully therapeutic."--Stephen R. Marder, MD, Professor and Director, Section on Psychosis, Semel Institute, UCLA "Beck and his colleagues have done it again! This bookis simply outstanding. It begins with a very clear and insightful overview of our scientific understanding of the etiology of schizophrenia, offers detailed analyses of the cognitive underpinnings of psychotic symptoms, and then outlines specific approaches for tailoring cognitive techniques to treat these symptoms. Unlike many authors who address schizophrenia treatment, Beck et al. clearly link science with treatment strategies. I plan to use this book as the primary text in my seminars on clinical treatment."--Elaine F. Walker, PhD, Samuel Candler Dobbs Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience, Emory University "The time has assuredly come for all clinicians working with persons with schizophrenia to become well acquainted with cognitive therapy for psychosis. Beck's decades of experience and wisdom are clearly reflected in this book. The cognitive conceptualizations of delusions, hallucinations, negative symptoms, and formal thought disorder are especially compelling and will provide critical new insights for both trainees and seasoned clinicians. This is an important addition to the library of any clinician committed to supporting recovery in persons with schizophrenia."--Shirley M. Glynn, PhD, Research Psychologist, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, UCLA

"Beck et al. have written the rare book that succeeds in wedding theory, research, and practice into a cohesive conceptual framework. The book provides an integrated theoretical model that accounts for the disparate symptoms of schizophrenia. These theoretical foundations are complemented by excellent, detailed clinical guidelines, vignettes, sample dialogues, and useful tools. An outstanding resource for researchers and clinicians who want to better understand the role of cognitive factors in schizophrenia and its treatment."--Kim T. Mueser, PhD, Department of Occupational Therapy, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, and Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Boston University

"Many of the puzzling and vexing symptoms of schizophrenia are largely untouched by existing psychosocial and psychopharmacological treatments. Beck and his colleagues present an integrated, empirically based theory of the disorder which provides the foundation for identifying effective therapeutic strategies. Logically presented, scholarly, and generously illustrated with case examples, this book will serve as a practical guide for practitioners seeking to improve their effectiveness, as well as program leaders seeking to augment the continuum of care for this population. I strongly recommend this text for graduate and professional training programs in psychiatry, clinical psychology, social work, psychiatric nursing, and psychiatric rehabilitation."--Gary R. Bond, PhD, Chancellor's Professor of Psychology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis "This is the most comprehensive and yet lucidly written book on cognitive theory and therapy of schizophrenia I have ever read. That's no surprise, given that Beck pioneered the development of cognitive-behavioral therapy for schizophrenia. What is remarkable here is the optimal balance between breadth (from biology and pharmacology to psychology and social services) and depth (detailed understanding of cognitive deficits and their treatment). The book is 'must' reading for anyone interested in schizophrenia, from the pre- or postdoctoral student to the teacher, clinician, or researcher. Everyday case examples and direct quotes from actual therapy sessions, combined with relevant rating scales, research findings, and a detailed bibliography, make this volume a one-stop source for all the necessary information in this area."--Dilip V. Jeste, MD, Distinguished Professor of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego

"This book represents a major advance in the application of cognitive theory and therapy. It is fitting that the founder of cognitive therapy is now pioneering its use with people with schizophrenia, who were once thought to be virtually untreatable. The authors provide a groundbreaking integration of neurobiological and cognitive-behavioral approaches to understanding the disorder and improving patients' lives. Unique contributions of the book include the descriptions of cognitive distortions and cognitive triads specific to schizophrenia and the development of cognitive models of thought disorder and negative symptoms, which have been neglected until now."--Tony Morrison, ClinPsyD, Professor of Clinical Psychology and Associate Director of Early Intervention, University of Manchester, UK

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