Description
Book SynopsisWill the person you love ever get better? Chances are you've grappled with the question. With care and support from their families, people with schizophrenia can and do make vast improvements. Noted therapists Kim Mueser and Susan Gingerich deepen your understanding of the illness and cover a wide range of effective treatments. Based on decades of research and experience, they offer pragmatic suggestions for dealing with depression, psychosis, and other symptoms. They show you how to prioritize needs, resolve everyday problems, and encourage your loved one to set life goals. Plus, individual sections highlight special issues for parents, children, siblings, and partners. Whether you’re facing schizophrenia for the first time or you’ve dealt with its impact for years, you’ll discover innovative ways to handle challenges that arise over the course of treatment, from reducing the chances of relapse to making friends and finding work. Recovery isn't an endpoint--it's a lifelong journey. With love, hope, and realistic optimism, striving for it can lead to a richer, more rewarding life for your entire family.
Winner, NAMI/Ken Book Award
Trade Review"If your loved one has schizophrenia, it challenges your whole family. Mueser and Gingerich cover all the bases to guide you along the road to recovery. Realistic and optimistic at the same time, this book is informative and practical from start to finish."--William T. Carpenter, Jr., MD, University of Maryland School of Medicine and Maryland Psychiatric Research Center
"After our son was diagnosed with schizophrenia, we spent the next four years learning about the illness and trying to help him. We were losing hope until we met Dr. Mueser. With Dr. Mueser's help, and using the principles outlined in this book, our lives and our son's life have greatly improved. So many parents would benefit from reading this book, using the worksheets, and keeping it on hand for continued reference over the years."--Ginger and Frank D., parents
"Too often, people with schizophrenia fall between the cracks of our system of care. This compassionate and comprehensive guide shows how you can strengthen your relationship with your ill family member and help him or her navigate the recovery journey. The authors provide state-of-the-art tools for mastering the extraordinary challenges that schizophrenia poses."--Ken Duckworth, MD, Chief Medical Officer, National Alliance on Mental Illness
"Concerned family members often ask me what they can do to help their loved one who is being treated for schizophrenia. For practical answers to this and many other questions, I will certainly recommend this clearly written, uplifting, and optimistic guide."--David G. Kingdon, MD, University of Southampton School of Medicine, UK
"Informative, authoritative, and comprehensive. This detailed guide to understanding and helping someone with schizophrenia dispels common myths and gives very practical advice for a wide range of common problems that family members encounter. It should be given to every family dealing with the diagnosis of a relative. I wish this wonderful book had been available when my brother first became ill."--Xavier Amador, PhD, author of I am Not Sick, I Don't Need Help! -
Table of ContentsForeword, Harriet P. Lefley, PhD
Preface
I. An Overview of Schizophrenia
1. Schizophrenia: Basic Facts, Course, and Outcome
2. Diagnosis and Symptoms
3. Creating a Vision of Recovery
4. Comprehensive Treatment of Schizophrenia
5. Community Resources
II. Special Issues for Family Members
6. Parents
7. Siblings
8. Spouses and Partners
9. Parenting and Children
III. Preventing Relapses
10. Medications
11. Managing Stress
12. Developing a Relapse Prevention Plan
13. Responding to Crises
IV. Creating a Supportive Environment
14. Communicating Effectively
15. Solving Problems
16. Living in Harmony
V. Coping with Specific Problems
17. Psychotic Symptoms
18. Negative Symptoms
19. Cognitive Difficulties
20. Anxiety
21. Depression
22. Alcohol and Drug Abuse
23. Anger and Violence
24. Lack of Insight
VI. Improving Quality of Life
25. Social Relationships
26. Work and School
27. Independent Living and Self-Care Skills
28. Leisure and Recreation
29. Dealing with Stigma
30. Planning for the Future
Resources
