The Science and Pseudoscience of Children's Mental Health

Cutting Edge Research and Treatment
Herausgeber: Olfman, Sharna

• Gebundenes Buch

Produktbeschreibung

This book explains how studies in brain development and epigenetics-the inextricable interplay of genes and environments-have led to breakthroughs in the understanding of children's psychological disturbances and serve to discredit the scientifically unsupported "chemical imbalance theory" of mental illness. Intended for mental health practitioners, concerned parents, and child advocates alike, this book presents a powerful new paradigm for understanding the causes of children's psychological disturbances-and as a result, the proper treatment of these symptoms. Based in cutting-edge research on the developing brain and epigenetics, this important volume serves to inform readers about the latest scientific conclusions and clinical practices that need to supplant pervasive and often dangerous drug prescriptions to millions of children. Sharna Olfman, PhD, and contributors including leading researchers, clinicians, and childhood advocates present their research findings and explain the implications for treatment of a range of symptoms, including autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), concussion syndromes, and mood disorders. The book definitively lays to rest the "chemical imbalance theory" of mental illness, a theory that has been roundly discredited by the scientific community but kept alive by the pharmaceutical industry. Chapters focus on the real science of epigenetics and the sensitivity of the developing brain to environmental influences such as trauma and chemical toxins-legitimate research findings that are largely ignored by mental health practitioners and rarely influence practice.

Produktdetails

• Verlag: Bloomsbury 3PL
• Seitenzahl: 200
• Erscheinungstermin: 31. März 2015
• Englisch
• Abmessung: 240mm x 161mm x 15mm
• Gewicht: 472g
• ISBN-13: 9781440830839
• ISBN-10: 1440830835
• Artikelnr.: 40309515

Autorenporträt

Sharna Olfman, PhD, is professor of clinical and developmental psychology at Point Park University, Pittsburgh, PA; a clinical psychologist in private practice; and editor/author of Praeger's Childhood In America book series.

Inhaltsangabe

Acknowledgments PART I. PSEUDOSCIENCE VERSUS SCIENCE 1 A New Paradigm in
Children's Mental Health Sharna Olfman 2 Chemical Imbalances: The Making of
a Societal Delusion Robert Whitaker 3 Epigenetics and Children's Mental
Health Richard C. Francis PART II. THE SCIENCE OF CHILDREN'S MENTAL HEALTH
4 The Impact of Toxic Chemicals on Children's Mental Health Sharna Olfman
5 Functional Brain Imbalance and Autism Spectrum Disorder Robert Melillo
and Gerry Leisman 6 Nutrition and Children's Mental Health Bonnie J. Kaplan
and Julia J. Rucklidge 7 Concussions in Children and Youth: A
Multidisciplinary Approach to Healing the Brain Daniel Gallucci 8 The
Building Blocks of Children's Mental Health: Care and Community Sharna
Olfman Series Afterword: Childhood in America Sharna Olfman, PhD, Series
Editor Notes and References About the Editor and Contributors Index