Ethical and Clinical Complexities in the Treatment of Schizophrenia : Liberty or Life

A practical book exploring the treatment and ethical care of people living with schizophrenia. Featuring case studies throughout and covering topics such as the neurobiology and neuropharmacology of schizophrenia, the status of individuals living with serious psychotic illness past and present, and neuroethical dilemmas in treating schizophrenia.

This unique book offers a methodical exploration of biological, social, and ethical topics on the treatment (or lack thereof) of psychotic brain disease. Part I provides an empirical engagement with neuroscience and covers the neurobiology and pharmacology of schizophrenia, providing the reader with a current understanding of the disease. Topic areas include anosognosia, community treatments, and early intervention. Part II looks at international policy approaches to schizophrenia featuring topics such as the policy, funding, and historical elements contributing to frequently misguided approaches to severe brain disease, and it explains why some societies won't/can't support human beings with psychotic disease. Part III focuses on neuroethics and asks: 'What is right?' through chapters discussing the concepts of consciousness and free will, as well as the principles of nonmaleficence, beneficence, autonomy, and justice. Collectively the comprehensive approach of this book allows the reader to gain a full understanding of the ethical and clinical complexities in treating schizophrenia.