This book is designed to enable clinicians and clinicians in training to
become sensitive to a wide range of language phenomena that are
important for the diagnosis, treatment and research of psychiatric
disorders. The introductory chapters assume no prior knowledge of
linguistics and outline an approach to language that focuses on meaning
and communication ranging from cultural issues to syntax and intonation.
The volume deals in turn with the major categories of syndromes in
psychiatry which have language as an important characterizing feature.
Linguistic concepts are keyed to diagnostic criteria to make the
material accessible to the practitioner. For each disorder, the
diagnostic criteria that are related to language are outlined in
specific linguistic terms. Thus the familiar diagnostic criteria are
enriched with linguistic description that ranges from aspects of culture
that constrain what can make sense in the society to aspects of
intonation and wording. The volume is supplemented with appendices that
link the diagnostic criteria to the language features that are heard.
Over 50 tables and diagrams provide summary information linking
psychiatric categories, language features and language examples.
Jonathan Fine teaches in the department of English at Bar-Ilan
University. He has published studies on the language of psychiatric
syndromes including pervasive developmental disorders, schizophrenia,
and attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder. His other research
includes discourse analysis, systemic functional theory, first and
second language acquisition and genre. He has edited or written five
books on language in use.
