Schizophrenia for Dummies

From diagnosis to recovery, take charge of care and enhance quality of life Are you looking for comprehensive, user-friendly information on schizophrenia? This respectful guide empowers families and caregivers to understand the disorder, as well as help their loved ones make the best healthcare decisions and live more independent lives. You get practical tools for supporting loved ones, staying optimistic, and keeping the whole family informed. * Grasp the ins and outs of schizophrenia - understand the causes and risk factors; recognize the symptoms and behaviors * Find the best professional help - get an accurate diagnosis, assemble a healthcare team, and ease into treatment * Evaluate treatment options - from medication to therapy to alternative methods, choose the treatments that best meet your loved one's needs * Manage day-to-day life - find housing, foster independence, and cope with crises * Keep the family involved - support a spouse, parent, or adult child with schizophrenia; help children understand, manage fears, and plan for the future * Learn about the latest research - discover the new, promising directions of treatment that are providing help and hope "This book is easily read and provides an informative road map that can help everyone to orient themselves and navigate uncertain terrain, as part of a journey toward recovery." -Ken Duckworth, MD, Medical Director, National Alliance on Mental Illness Open the book and find: * The differences between schizophrenia and other mental illnesses * How to get past the shame and stigma * Tips for coping with medication side effects * Advice on navigating financial and legal issues * Ways to avoid relapse and prevent a breakdown * The benefits and risks of clinical trials * Sources of support for patients and families