Speech and Communication Problems in Psychiatry

It is a relatively unexplored field having received scant attention until recent years, but the quality of the work included here gives a clear indication that the area should move from the periphery into a main­ stream position in the education and practice of speech therapists. It has long been recognized that certain psychiatric disorders result in communication breakdown, which may involve speech, language and non-verbal aspects. Individuals suffering from conditions such as neurotic disorder, psychosis, personality disorder and dementia are often handicapped because they do not communicate to their full potential. This practical book addresses the topic of speech therapy in psychiatry. The book should help professionals to gain a deeper understanding of the role they can play with people suffering from communication problems. The editors provide a description of communication and mental illness as well as discussing the important role the speech therapist can play as part of a multidisciplinary team. The general management of the conditions is discussed and therapies used with each disorder outlined. While describing specific techniques used by speech therapists the book also suggests new developments and stresses the need for a flexible and innovative approach. This text should be of interest not only to practising speech therapists and students but also to other disciplines working in the field of psychiatry as well as other mental health workers (psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses and occupational therapists).