Customer Reviews

Diagnosis: Schizophrenia

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I was looking for books to help my my brother with his newly diagnosed son. After reading two recommended books, which were testaments to survival, but described such horrific experiences, I found this one. The family has been trying to read books and we have just been devastated chapter after chapter. This is a very down-to-earth book. It replaces some of the frightening images of schizophrenia with more hopeful images. The information is clear, presented by professionals with impressive credentials and interspersed by different patients offering their experiences (onset, fears, medication, family response, etc.) It addresses obvious concerns in such a matter-of fact way. I particularly like the emphasis on schizophrenia as a disease that the person has. The person is not a schizophrenic but has schizophrenia. They are still the same person they always were, just with a disease. One of the patients expresses feeling lucky that she has a treatable disease and not some fatal cancer. We can absorb this book, the patients are wonderful. Very helpful, very hopeful. Just what we all need to read at this point in our experience. First review I have written, only because I think this book might be great for many others at the same point in their experience.

This book isn't for people who want in-depth coverage of schizophrenia. It's very conversational, written as a series of interviews, and is meant to introduce people who've been diagnosed with schizophrenia or who have found out that someone they know is schizophrenic, and has no idea what it's all about. As an introdruction to the disease, how it affects people, the medications prescribed, etc., it does a pretty good job of being informative without being scientific, and avoids being dumbed down. But for people who already know about schizophrenia, the contents should be familiar.

I read this book a while ago. At the time I was working with a patient with schizophrenia. I shared some of the stories with this patient. The patient and I both were amazed by the similarities between (the patient's) delusions and those of the clients in the book. It helped me to better understand the world of a person with schizophrenia.

This book describes the journey of thirty five young people, who suffer from schizophrenia, from the onset of the illness to getting back into work or college. Their views are given throughout the book, which gives the reader a real insight into how other people with the illness have coped.

The newly diagnosed individuals have many questions, which are answered by the author. A basic description of how the brain works with graphical illustrations are given to explain to the newcomer the basic concept of schizophrenia. Subject such as cause, symptoms of schizophrenia (the positive and negative symptoms), how to deal with them and the different medications are discussed. In addition there are other topics such as anxiety, depression, drugs, alcohol, sex, weight gain and side effects of medication.

Advice is given on the acceptance of the illness, coming out of hospital, connecting with the treatment program. This book finishes by discussing US benefits, how to apply for them, training support for employment and college and reasonable accommodation.

This book is wonderful reading for the newly diagnosed and goes a long way to reassure them, in jargon free English, about a very misunderstood illness.

Diagnosis Schizophrenia is a critically important book for people with schizophrenia, their families, their healthcare providers and anyone else who cares about them or cares for them. It is mainly written in the first person, and provides important insight into the people who have the disease- how it feels, what they are going through, and what they need. It has helpful educational components and resources in the back. This book was recommended to me by a colleague for a class I am taking in mental health for a MSW degree, and I must continue to recommend it to others. It is excellent.

I am a consumer with schizoaffective disorder. I purchase books but do not do much reading. When I got this book out of the public library, I kept it, 'way past its due date. Whenever I am in a waiting room, out comes Diagnosis: Schizophrenia. I wish that this book had been available to me when I first became mentally ill! I spent years in denial and doubt about the medications. The descriptions of symptoms are convincing ("This is me!"), and the kicker is the last narrative chapter where patient after patient tells about being restored to normal reasoning and productivity. I do not consider this book to be dated at all. Highly recommended for consumers who may be considering noncompliance with treatment. When I get some money, I intend to purchase my own copy to lend to friends.

As a member of the general public I found this book very
enlightening as much of it exposes schizophrenia from the perspective of those who have the disease. It shows the disease
as it filters through a variety of personalities. It also aims
to help patients cope with their problems by offering much
helpful advice about dealing with their medical as well as everyday lfe problems. It was very easy to read and has broken down many stereotypes I had about schizophrenia.

Understanding schizophrenia is a difficult task. By reading this wonderfully written book, the reader can enter into this world and develop an appreciation not only for the complexity of this illness, but it also provides direction and inspires hope.

This is at most a general introduction to schizophrenia. As one who has the disease, I expected a more intelligent discussion on the topic. Instead, the book is a dumbed down version of material available elsewhere. In fact, the book seems most appropriate for children and young teens who need an introduction on the subject. The only positive feedback I can give is that quite a bit of it is funny. I suggest reading the first chapter, then moving on to something better; for example, Me, Myself, and Them: A Firsthand Account of One Young Person's Experience with Schizophrenia (Adolescent Mental Health Initiative) (Paperback). This book covers the same material but in a more interesting and intelligent manner.

This review is in Spanish, but in general it was very helpful for my, its a eay reading book that provides general concepts and terms for family and professional. Es un libro sencillo, corto, fácil de leer y bastante completo. Es un buen comienzo para ir ampliando la lectura con otros libros más específicos. Pero en particular este libro, como profesional de la conducta humana me ayudó a entneder esta población a la cual aún no me había expuesto. Es un buen inicio, además te brinda información clara sencilla para tu explicarle a ellos y su familia.