Synopsis of Family Intervention Guide to Mental Illness

Over 50 million Americans have a mental illness, but as many as 20 million don't have their illness detected. And many others get substandard treatment. Family members play a crucial role in recognizing mental illness, and helping a loved one get the treatment they need. The early signs of mental illness are clear if you know what to look for, and getting rapid and effective treatment will help your relative get better faster. If you think a family member or friend may be struggling with a mental illness, or isn't getting effective treatment, this guide will help you recognize symptoms, get the right treatment, and work together as a family to help your loved one get better.

Inside you'll find step-by-step support and information for determining whether someone you care about is suffering from a mental disorder, and what you can do to help. The Family Intervention Guide to Mental Illness outlines the nine fundamental steps to recognizing, managing, and recovering from mental illness. It provides both diagnostic information and details about therapy options and useful medications. With the right advice, determined effort, and a lot of love, you can make a difference.

Above all, this is a book about love. Families will rely on it to help loved ones. They will share it with friends when their families in turn are confronted by mental illness. The book covers a broad spectrum of concerns from recognizing symptoms to maintaining wellness-and offers practical information and strategies. First-hand knowledge and down-to-earth perspective provide concise discussions of good steps, bad steps, wish lists, pitfalls, and recipes for success.
-Michael J. Fitzpatrick, MSW, Executive Director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness

The Family Intervention Guide to Mental Illness is a comprehensive and useful guide for recognizing and dealing with mental illness in loved ones. It is easy to read and offers practical advice on what to do, with each section having a list of steps and missteps. The guide covers important topics such as the recognition of early signs, diagnosis, finding help, choosing a doctor, treatments, and prognosis. The authors are upbeat and optimistic, addressing fear and stigma while showing people how to care for themselves and their families. This guide will be helpful to anyone who has a family member with mental illness.
-Cheryl Corcoran, MD, director of the Center of Prevention and Evaluation (COPE), a clinical research program at Columbia University for young people at increased risk for psychosis and other mental disorders

Morey and Mueser have written an invaluable resource for families on mental illnesses. Scientifically current yet easily read, this volume demystifies psychiatric jargon to help families correctly identify mental health problems and successfully respond to them. The volume is filled with practical advice about real-world situations, including helpful case vignettes. It will do much to build knowledge and improve access to and participation in care.
-David Shern, Ph.D., president and CEO of Mental Health America, formerly the National Mental Health Association, the oldest and among the largest mental health education and advocacy organization in the United States

This step-by-step guide removes the mystery from mental illness and treatment, tackling challenges from recognizing signs of illness, to communication skills, to fostering the vitality of caregivers. Although written for family members, this book offers a comprehensive and readable overview for health professionals, educators, the clergy, and others.
-Barbara J. Burns, Ph.D., professor of medical psychology and director of the Services Effectiveness Research Program in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Duke University School of Medicine

Bodie and Mueser present a highly accessible, informative, and authorita