Schizophrenia: An Unfinished History

Schizophrenia, once considered a radical and abnormal disease, is now seen as the extreme end of a spectrum of mental distress. Orna Ophir's book explores the historical and medical understanding of schizophrenia, highlighting the struggles of patients and doctors to overcome stigma and improve therapeutic outcomes. The story is a hopeful one, suggesting that clinicians and patients will collaborate in the search for better outcomes.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 20 May 2022
Publisher: Polity Press

Schizophrenia, a diagnosis that has been prevalent worldwide, is experiencing a decline, marking a significant shift in our historical and medical understanding of madness and mental distress. Coined by a Swiss psychiatrist in 1908, the term "schizophrenia" has been the subject of debate and controversy. While it was once considered a radical and abnormal disease characterized by a diverse range of symptoms, it is now recognized as the extreme end of a spectrum on which we all exist.

In her book, "Schizophrenia: An Unfinished History," historian and clinician Orna Ophir delves into the stories of patients and doctors as they grapple with this debilitating condition. Throughout history, patients have been portrayed in various ways, ranging from being possessed by demons to experiencing a "split-mind" or struggling with "integration." However, today, schizophrenia is increasingly viewed as a spectrum disorder rather than a distinct disease.

Ophir's narrative is a hopeful one, highlighting the progress made by patients and doctors in overcoming stigma and improving therapeutic outcomes. Clinicians have become more sensitive to diversity and difference, recognizing that each patient's experience is unique. This collaboration between clinicians and patients holds the potential for better outcomes in the search for effective treatments for schizophrenia.

The book "Schizophrenia: An Unfinished History" serves as a reminder that our understanding of mental health is constantly evolving. It encourages us to approach the diagnosis of schizophrenia with empathy and compassion, recognizing that it is part of a broader spectrum of human experiences. As we continue to advance in our knowledge and treatment of mental illness, we can hope for a future in which individuals with schizophrenia can live fulfilling lives and receive the support they need.

Weight: 606g
Dimension: 162 x 235 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509536474