The Science and Pseudoscience of Children's Mental Health: Cutting Edge Research and Treatment
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.
1119768340
The Science and Pseudoscience of Children's Mental Health: Cutting Edge Research and Treatment
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.
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The Science and Pseudoscience of Children's Mental Health: Cutting Edge Research and Treatment

The Science and Pseudoscience of Children's Mental Health: Cutting Edge Research and Treatment

The Science and Pseudoscience of Children's Mental Health: Cutting Edge Research and Treatment

The Science and Pseudoscience of Children's Mental Health: Cutting Edge Research and Treatment


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Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9798216142188
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Publication date: 03/30/2015
Series: Childhood in America
Sold by: Barnes & Noble
Format: eBook
Pages: 200
File size: 523 KB
Age Range: 7 - 17 Years

About the Author

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.
SHARNA OLFMAN is Clinical Psychologist and Associate Professor of Developmental Psychology at Park Point University, where she is also the founding director of the annual Childhood and Society Symposium. Olfman is the editor of the Childhood in America book series for Praeger Publishers. She is a partner in the national Alliance for Childhood, a group of academics, professionals, teachers, and parents who work together to raise and remedy concerns about children's welfare in light of current cultural trends.

Table of Contents

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

What People are Saying About This

Frank Farley

"This very timely volume, on an exceptionally important topic in the lives of children and families, is a frank and thought-provoking consideration of the issues."

Irving Kirsch

“Informative and provocative! This book should be required reading for anyone concerned with children’s mental health.”

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