Dr. Ruwan M. Jayatunge who has written several books in both Sinhala and English has released three new books- ‘Binninmadaya (Schizophrenia), ‘Mano Vishleshana Prathikara (Psychoanalytic Therapy) and EMDR Sri Lankan Experience, all useful to mental health workers.

Binninmadaya or schizophrenia is a brain disorder that distorts the way a person thinks, acts, expresses emotions, perceives reality and relates to others. Schizophrenia has an altered perception of reality . Dr. Jayatunge has written this book using simple terms and in a reader-friendly manner, making it useful for health workers as well as caregivers. The book emphasizes the importance of drug therapy and psychological management of the illness and psychosocial rehabilitation which is beneficial to the patient.

‘Mano Vishleshana Prathikara (Psychoanalytic Therapy) introduced by Dr. Sigmund Freud has a clinical significance. Psychodynamic perspective while tracing the roots of human behaviour as residing in the unconscious is a unique therapeutic system that can treat anxiety and various stress related disorders. Dr. Jayatunge explains Freudian theory in an uncomplicated language with clinical examples. It also emphasizes the importance of Psychoanalytic Therapy as a mode of medical management.

EMDR Sri Lankan Experience is a book on trauma management. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a recently developed psychotherapy procedure that has been reported to dramatically increase efficiency in the treatment of traumatic memories. Dr. Jayatunge who was trained in EMDR at the Coatesville VA Philadelphia, explains how EMDR can be used to treat patients here.
Sri Lanka, which is affected by an armed conflict and the tsunami disaster, has a large number of trauma victims who suffer from Depression, PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), Somatoform Disorders etc. Many have gone into a vicious cycle of negative stress coping methods like alcohol abuse, domestic violence and social aggression. An effective psycho-therapy like EMDR would help them.

The books are Sarasavi publications. Dr. R.M.S.K. Ratnayaka (Regional Director Health Services, Puttalam District)