These families must cope with a variety of problems, such as the heavy
and often unpredictable demands of their ill member, the pain of lost
dreams and expectations, and the bureaucratic complexity of the mental
health system. However, with proper guidance and counseling, they can
become the professional's most valuable allies in treatment of patients
with schizophrenia and major affective disorders.
This is a practical, psychoeducational approach, with special emphasis
on the nuts and bolts of counseling families. The authors show how the
family clinician can develop a cooperative, respectful relationship with
family members, educating them about the symptoms, causes, and
treatments of such illnesses as schizophrenia, helping them develop
strategies to deal with both day-to-day problems and the long-term
implications of the disease, and offering emotional support as needed.
This book will be invaluable to all mental health professionals working
with the chronically mentally ill and their families in hospitals,
clinics and outpatient settings. Both professionals and trainees will
find here a new model of compassionate care, essential as families are
enlisted as allies in the treatment of chronic mental illness.