Esther Somerfeld-Ziskind
Encyclopedia
Esther Somerfeld-Ziskind (July 2, 1901 – November 13, 2002) was an American neurologist and psychiatrist.
She conducted pioneering research into the use of insulin
, lithium
, and electroconvulsive therapy
in the treatment of psychiatric disorders.
In 1953, She and her husband, neurologist Eugene Ziskind, were cofounders along with Eugene's two brothers, social worker Louis Ziskind and attorney David Ziskind, of Gateways Hospital and Mental Health Center.
She served as the chair of the psychiatry department at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
and worked extensively with the medical school at the University of Southern California
, particularly with Children's Hospital.
She is noted for a wide range of book reviews on behalf of a number of organizations, including the American Journal of Psychiatry
.
She conducted pioneering research into the use of insulin
Insulin
Insulin is a hormone central to regulating carbohydrate and fat metabolism in the body. Insulin causes cells in the liver, muscle, and fat tissue to take up glucose from the blood, storing it as glycogen in the liver and muscle....
, lithium
Lithium
Lithium is a soft, silver-white metal that belongs to the alkali metal group of chemical elements. It is represented by the symbol Li, and it has the atomic number 3. Under standard conditions it is the lightest metal and the least dense solid element. Like all alkali metals, lithium is highly...
, and electroconvulsive therapy
Electroconvulsive therapy
Electroconvulsive therapy , formerly known as electroshock, is a psychiatric treatment in which seizures are electrically induced in anesthetized patients for therapeutic effect. Its mode of action is unknown...
in the treatment of psychiatric disorders.
In 1953, She and her husband, neurologist Eugene Ziskind, were cofounders along with Eugene's two brothers, social worker Louis Ziskind and attorney David Ziskind, of Gateways Hospital and Mental Health Center.
She served as the chair of the psychiatry department at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Originally established as Kaspare Cohn Hospital in 1902, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center is a non-profit, tertiary 958-bed hospital and multi-specialty academic health science centre located in Los Angeles, California, US. Part of the Cedars-Sinai Health System, the hospital employs a staff of over...
and worked extensively with the medical school at the University of Southern California
University of Southern California
The University of Southern California is a private, not-for-profit, nonsectarian, research university located in Los Angeles, California, United States. USC was founded in 1880, making it California's oldest private research university...
, particularly with Children's Hospital.
She is noted for a wide range of book reviews on behalf of a number of organizations, including the American Journal of Psychiatry
American Journal of Psychiatry
The American Journal of Psychiatry is a monthly peer-reviewed medical journal covering all aspects of psychiatry and the official journal of the American Psychiatric Association. The first volume was issued in 1844, at which time it was known as the American Journal of Insanity...
.