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Schizophrenia is a widely investigated psychiatric condition, and though there have been claims of gene "associations," decades of molecular genetic studies have failed to produce confirmed causative genes. In this book, Joseph focuses on the methodological shortcomings of schizophrenia genetic research.
His findings have major implications not only on how we understand the causes of schizophrenia and other psychiatric conditions, but also on how we understand the causes of human behavior in general. Chapters explore the differing theoretical concepts of schizophrenia, molecular genetic research around schizophrenia, family, twin, and adoption studies, and non-medical prevention and intervention strategies. Prominent researchers and studies in the field are discussed and critiqued comprehensively throughout.
This book is essential reading for psychiatrists, psychologists, behavioral scientists, and anyone interested in the causes of human behavior.
List of contents
Chapter 1: Introduction 2: Schizophrenia Molecular Genetic Research: Running on Empty? 3. Schizophrenia Family Studies 4. A Critique of the Classical Twin Method 5. Schizophrenia Twin Research 6. Schizophrenia Adoption Research 7. Schizophrenia and Genetics: Conclusions and Future Directions
About the author
Jay Joseph, Psy.D., is a clinical psychologist practicing in the San Francisco Bay Area. He is the author of three previous books, most recently The Trouble with Twin Studies: A Reassessment of Twin Research in the Social and Behavioral Sciences.
Summary
Schizophrenia is a widely investigated psychiatric disorder. Despite claims of gene "association," decades of molecular genetic studies have failed to produce a single causative gene. In this book, Joseph focuses on the methodological shortcomings and questionable assumptions of previous schizophrenia family, twin, and adoption studies.
Report
"In this engaging and incisive analysis, Jay Joseph not only reveals the bad science and false claims that characterise the search for 'schizophrenia' genes, he shows the futility of the entire enterprise, making links to the whole field of psychiatric genetics and to questionable research practices and replication crises across the behavioural sciences. A vital book for researchers, practitioners, psychiatric service users, students, science journalists and anyone concerned about the integrity of science and its communication."
Mary Boyle, Emeritus Professor of Clinical Psychology, University of East London, UK
"In this trenchant analysis, Jay Joseph offers the sober scrutiny this controversial subject so badly needs. Writing from rare depths of field knowledge, and with decades of active engagement, his often startling exposures of shoddy data and misleading conclusions will enlighten researchers and theorists and delight clinicians and students everywhere."
Ken Richardson, Independent Researcher/Formerly Open University UK, Durham, UK
