Diagnosis: Schizophrenia: A Comprehensive Resource for Consumers, Families, and Helping Professionals, Second Edition / Edition 2

by Rachel Miller

Overview

In this book, thirty-five young, recently diagnosed patients speak about schizophrenia and the process of recovery, while two specialists illuminate the medical science, psychoeducation, and therapeutic needs of those coping with the illness, as well as access to medical benefits and community resources. A remarkably inclusive guide, the volume informs patients, families, friends, and professionals, detailing the possible causes of schizophrenia, medications and side effects, the functioning of the brain, and the value of rehabilitation and other services.

In their dialogues, participants confront shame, stigma, substance use, and relapse issues and the necessity of healthy eating, safe sex practices, and coping skills during recovery. Clinicians elaborate on the symptoms of schizophrenia, such as violent and suicidal thoughts, delusions, hallucinations, memory and concentration problems, trouble getting motivated or organized, and anxiety and mood disorders. Adopting an uplifting tone of manageability, the participants, authors, and clinicians of this volume offer more than advice—they prescribe hope.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780231150415
Publisher:	Columbia University Press
Publication date:	01/03/2011
Edition description:	second edition
Pages:	240
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.20(h) x 0.70(d)
Lexile:	930L (what's this?)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Rachel Miller is a social worker for the National Institute of Mental Health, Child Psychiatry Branch, where she works with children with psychotic disorders and their families. From 1995 to 2007, she was the senior social worker for the first-episode of schizophrenia continuous care team at Zucker Hillside Hospital in New York.

Susan E. Mason is professor of social work and sociology at Yeshiva University's Wurzweiler School of Social Work, where she teaches courses on psychiatric disorders. As a social work coordinator at Zucker Hillside Hospital, she managed clinical trials for people diagnosed with schizophrenia. She is a fellow at the New York Academy of Medicine and a senior education specialist and fellow for the New York State Social Work Education Consortium.

Table of Contents

Foreword to the Second Edition vii

Foreword ix

Introductory Note xi

A Note on the Title xv

Acknowledgments xvii

About the Authors xix

Using This Book xxv

Introduction: So They Say We Have Schizophrenia 1

1 In the Beginning 5

2 So Many Questions: The Quick Reference Guide 19

3 How the Brain Works 29

4 What is Schizophrenia? 38

5 Why Me? 46

6 Diagnosing Schizophrenia 55

7 What Will People Think of Me Now? 64

8 Medication 78

9 Out of the Hospital and Staying Well 97

10 Coping with Positive and Negative Symptoms 119

11 Coping with Other Symptoms and Side Effects 130

12 Drugs, Alcohol, and Safer Sex 141

13 Under the Microscope 162

14 Zelda's Story 170

15 Who Am I Now? 181

16 Getting the Social Services You Need 191

17 Vocational Rehabilitation 205

Appendix 1 Client Assistance Program Directory 211

Appendix 2 Vocational Rehabilitation Directory 215

Appendix 3 Other Resources 225

Index 233

What People are Saying About This

Shelly A. Wiechelt

Diagnosis: Schizophrenia is packed with detailed information, incorporating new information on the brain, genetic issues, medication management, treatment, and coping with symptoms and problems. It is timely, relevant, and informative. No other book offers such comprehensive coverage in a style that intertwines stories with research. Social workers, counselors, physicians, nurses, psychologists, and students will especially find this volume valuable for its quick information that can be easily shared with patients and their families.

— Shelly A. Wiechelt, University of Maryland, School of Social Work

Fang-pei Chen

Very approachable and offers practical advice on managing symptoms of schizophrenia on a day-to-day basis and in different aspects of life, much needed by people moving toward mental health recovery.

— Fang-pei Chen, Columbia University School of Social Work

Editorial Reviews

...very important guide to schizophrenia...

Metapsychology - Daria Dibitonto

"An excellent guide for patients and their families."—Library Journal (starred review)"Far easier to understand than the classic title for [people with schizophrenia] and their families."—Publishers Weekly

From the Publisher

"These stories tell of experiences that all of us diagnosed with schizophrenia can relate to, so we don't feel so alone. And the more people know about their illness, the easier it is to cope with the symptoms and the more willing they will be to accept treatment, including medication. I wish I had this book when I first got sick."

outpatient Tina

"These stories tell of experiences that all of us diagnosed with schizophrenia can relate to, so we don't feel so alone. And the more people know about their illness, the easier it is to cope with the symptoms and the more willing they will be to accept treatment, including medication. I wish I had this book when I first got sick."

outpatient - Tina

...very important guide to schizophrenia...

— Daria Dibitonto

Metapsychology

Valuable... highly recommended.

Schizophrenia.com