To correct the predominantly inadequate, and often harmful, diagnostic and treatment practices of schizophrenia, this work appraises the conceptualizations of both the schizophrenic person and the assessor. The contexts of appraisal include historical, sociological, political, and legal aspects; the methods range from the case study to the study of neural substrates. The conclusions are hopeful, and unsettling relative to the prevailing organic disease model and drug treatment.

Tags: schizophrenic disorders