OurColony.net

Very helpful

Customer Rating:
We found this book to be quite educational and overall very helpful. Having said that, in places it gives far more medical information than we could grasp / digest.

Outdated, Somewhat Helpful but Incomplete

Customer Rating:
This book has a little bit of everything... from history of schizophrenia to progresses in modern treatment. But for someone who wanted a greater insight into how I can better help a schizophrenic, it wasn't very helpful. For example, this book barely touches on how to get those afflicted with schizophrenia to take medication when they deny their illness and refuse their medication. How do you get them to see a doctor when they don't want to? How often should you go to the doctor? Also, how do you best communicate with schizophenics - do you tell them that the voices in their head and the evil man following them aren't real? When they insist they have telepathic powers, do I disagree and explain why it isn't so, shrug it off, or just indulge them? If they don't want to talk about it or deny they have schizophrenia, should I bring it up? How do you help those who tried to commit suicide and failed - should I ask why they did it? Is it safe to bring it up when they seem to have forgotten about the incident? Also, Dr. Torrey, at times, seemed more interested in making the book entertaining than being sensitive to this disease (such as using inappropriate punctuation marks or jumping to conclusions without explaining the factual basis). He also doesn't explain certain terms - such as insight psychotherapy (he explains why it's bad but I read the entire passage 3x but no explanation of what insight psychotherapy is). With the rave reviews, I expected more from this book. If anyone is aware of a book that addresses my questions above (and answers the question of how family members can help and better communicate with schizophrenics other than generically be "supportive", which is a given...), please let me know. I would appreciate a good recommendation.

Truly excellent resource

Customer Rating:
What an incredible resource!!! This truly is a book for consumers, providers, and families. As a provider, I learned some things that have given me a new way to look at my consumers and their treatment. It is also written in a way that makes it an invaluable resource to both individuals with Schizophrenia, and those close to them. I highly recommend this to anyone looking to learn more about Schizophrenia, it's possible origins, history, prognosis, treatments, and so much more.

Survive Schizophrenia

Customer Rating:
an excellant book for recognizing and understanding the disease. A must read for parents, family and friends.

Helpful Information

Customer Rating:
I found this helpful for understanding the basic information about schizophrenia and it had some useful chapters on signs to look for and treatments. It may be a little outdated with some of the new drugs that are coming out now, but overall its a good reference book to have.