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