Schizophrenia: Science, Psychoanalysis, and Culture

Kevin Volkan and Vamık Volkan present a comprehensive study of schizophrenia using a psychoanalytic lens on the existing interdisciplinary research. The emergence of neuropsychoanalysis brings hope that psychoanalytic metapsychology and clinical theory may once again provide valuable insight into understanding schizophrenia. Psychoanalytic treatment may not be appropriate for many sufferers, but it can provide insight to inform and improve treatment. The authors aim to deepen insight and promote the use of psychotherapy and integrated treatments, while increasing sensitivity to cultural variations in schizophrenic disease.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 12 February 2022
Publisher: Phoenix Publishing House

Schizophrenia is a complex mental disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. While mainstream research has focused on understanding its causes, prevalence, and treatment, psychoanalytic thinking has offered a different perspective. In their comprehensive study, Kevin Volkan and Vamık Volkan explore the intersection of psychoanalysis and interdisciplinary research on schizophrenia.

Over the past seventy years, mainstream research on schizophrenia has significantly diverged from psychoanalytic thinking. Traditional psychoanalytic theories have emphasized the role of early childhood experiences, unconscious conflicts, and the influence of the family in the development of the disorder. However, contemporary research has shifted its focus toward genetic and biological factors, as well as the impact of environmental factors.

Despite these differences, the emergence of neuropsychoanalysis brings hope that psychoanalytic metapsychology and clinical theory may once again provide valuable insight into understanding schizophrenia. Neuropsychoanalysis integrates neuroscience and psychoanalysis to explore the relationship between brain structure and behavior in individuals with schizophrenia. This approach has the potential to shed light on the underlying mechanisms of the disorder and inform new treatment strategies.

Psychoanalytic treatment may not be appropriate for all sufferers of schizophrenia, but it does provide valuable insight that can inform and improve treatment. Psychoanalysis can help clinicians understand the underlying emotional and psychological issues that contribute to the symptoms of schizophrenia. It can also illuminate what aspects of schizophrenia are common across cultures, where they present unique characteristics, and how cultural variations occur.

For any future improvement in understanding and treating schizophrenia, it is essential to clarify the cultural underpinnings and expressions of schizophrenic illness. Clinicians in the field need to be aware of cultural differences that may impact treatment outcomes and develop culturally sensitive approaches to care.

The authors of this book aim to deepen insight and promote the use of psychotherapy and integrated treatments for schizophrenia. They also aim to increase sensitivity to cultural variations in schizophrenic disease. Accordingly, the book is divided into four sections.

The first section provides a brief overview and outline of the mainstream understanding of schizophrenia. It discusses the diagnostic criteria, symptoms, and treatment approaches used in contemporary medicine. The second section delves into general psychoanalytic ideas about schizophrenia. The authors explore the role of early object relations, unconscious conflicts, and the influence of the family in the development of the disorder. They also discuss the concept of psychosis, which is a breakdown of reality and the emergence of delusions and hallucinations.

The third section examines how psychoanalytic treatment can be successful in some cases. The authors highlight the importance of establishing a therapeutic relationship, addressing underlying emotional issues, and working through transference and resistance. They also discuss the use of psychoanalytic techniques such as dream analysis, free association, and interpretation to gain insight into the patient's experiences and symptoms.

The fourth and final section discusses how views of the disorder and the disorder itself are affected by culture. The authors argue that cultural differences play a significant role in how individuals with schizophrenia are perceived and treated. They explore the impact of cultural norms, values, and beliefs on the diagnosis, treatment, and socialization of individuals with schizophrenia. They also discuss the challenges of providing culturally sensitive care in diverse communities.

In conclusion, schizophrenia is a complex mental disorder that requires a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to treatment. While mainstream research has focused on understanding its causes, prevalence, and treatment, psychoanalytic thinking has offered a different perspective. The emergence of neuropsychoanalysis brings hope that psychoanalytic metapsychology and clinical theory may once again provide valuable insight into understanding schizophrenia. Psychoanalytic treatment may not be appropriate for all sufferers, but it can provide valuable insight that can inform and improve treatment. Clinicians in the field need to be aware of cultural differences that may impact treatment outcomes and develop culturally sensitive approaches to care. By deepening insight and promoting the use of psychotherapy and integrated treatments, as well as increasing sensitivity to cultural variations, this book aims to contribute to the understanding and treatment of schizophrenia.

Weight: 422g
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800131200