''Rethinking Madness: Towards a Paradigm Shift In Our Understanding and Treatment of Psychosis'' (Sky's Edge Publishing, 2012) is a book by the

psychologist A psychologist is a professional who practices psychology and studies mental states, perceptual, cognitive, emotional, and social processes and behavior. Their work often involves the experimentation, observation, and interpretation of how indi ...

Paris Williams which explores creative ways of dealing with madness (

psychosis Psychosis is a condition of the mind that results in difficulties determining what is real and what is not real. Symptoms may include delusions and hallucinations, among other features. Additional symptoms are incoherent speech and behavior ...

). Williams says that psychotic experiences, which cause significant distress, typically occur deep within the mind. Given suitable conditions, this process can often result in a positive outcome, but Williams avoids the romantic notion that psychosis is always beneficial. Much of what Williams says is in close accord with a

recovery approach The recovery model, recovery approach or psychological recovery is an approach to mental disorder or substance dependence that emphasizes and supports a person's potential for recovery. Recovery is generally seen in this model as a personal journey ...

. Williams says that the term "psychosis" has many meanings, and the definitions that have been put forward are controversial. Even the

DSM-IV-TR The ''Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders'' (DSM; latest edition: DSM-5-TR, published in March 2022) is a publication by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) for the classification of mental disorders using a common langua ...

, says that "the term psychosis has historically received a number of definitions, none of which has achieved universal acceptance".Paris Williams (2012). ''Rethinking Madness: Towards a Paradigm Shift In Our Understanding and Treatment of Psychosis'', Sky’s Edge Publishing, p. 17. Williams says that the diagnosis of

schizophrenia Schizophrenia is a mental disorder characterized by continuous or relapsing episodes of psychosis. Major symptoms include hallucinations (typically hearing voices), delusions, and disorganized thinking. Other symptoms include social withdra ...

is also the subject of much debate:

Despite over a century of intensive research, no biological markers or physiological tests that can be used to diagnose schizophrenia have been found, its etiology continues to be uncertain, and we don’t even have clear evidence that the concept of schizophrenia is a valid construct. However, diagnosis and treatment based upon the diagnosis continues unhindered by these serious problems.

References

External links

Official website
Medical books 2012 non-fiction books Books about schizophrenia {{psych-book-stub

See also

References

External links