Schizophrenia is a form of mental illness that is surrounded by many different myths and misconceptions, despite the fact that the condition is believed to affect 3.3 million adults worldwide. As a result much work is still required in helping to reduce the stigma associated with this and other forms of mental health problems.
Author of The Everything Health Guide To Schizophrenia
Author Dean Hayock, PhD, is a science and medical writer with a PhD in neuroscience from Brown University. Currently based in New York, Hayock has a wealth of experience in both academic and pharmaceutical research and his work has been published in a wide variety of academic journals including the Journal of Neurochemistry, Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics and Brain Research.
Who is The Everything Health Guide To Schizophrenia Aimed At?
This book is specifically aimed at sufferers affected by the condition as well as families, partners and friends of those living with schizophrenia. Also, therapists, counsellors, trainee medical students, mental health nurses and carers will likely find this a valuable resource.
In addition, those who may regularly come into contact with schizophrenia sufferers such as educators, youth workers and pastoral care workers may also be helped by the easy-to-follow, information provided.
Schizophrenia Causes, Types, Impacts and Related Disorders
Chapter one provides an overview of schizophrenia including features of the disease and impacts of schizophrenia on relationships while chapter two looks at multiple causes such as genetics, brain structure, brain chemistry abnormalities and the role of the environment.
Chapters three and four discuss the different forms of schizophrenia (e.g. paranoid, disorganised, catatonic, undifferentiated and residual schizophrenia) in addition to several related disorders including brief psychotic, shared psychotic, schizoaffective and delusional disorder.
Schizophrenia Symptoms, Warning Signs, Medication and Therapy
The fifth chapter offers information on symptoms of schizophrenia including positive, negative, cognitive symptoms, gender differences and possible threat of suicide. A particularly helpful chapter is chapter six which provides essential insight into the various warning signs and indicators associated with schizophrenia.
Comprehensive information is also provided on medication such as antipsychotic and atypical antipsychotic drugs used in the treatment of schizophrenia as well as appropriate therapies including family therapy and cognitive therapy.
Care for Schizophrenia Patients and Advocacy
A particularly useful section is the latter part of the book which provides parents and carers with a wealth of information and suggestions about how best to support schizophrenia sufferers living at home and in times of crisis.
Chapter 18 is very helpful for caregivers as it provides practical advice for coping with daily stresses, stigma, prejudice, ignorance and financial issues.
Haycock, D. (2009) The Everything Health Guide To Schizophrenia Avon: Adams Media
ISBN-13: 978-1-60550-036-2
Kate Le Page - Kate Henning-Le Page writes about eating disorders, body image and recovery issues. She specializes in anorexia recovery.
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