Coping with Schizophrenia: A Guide for Families
Ludwig, Karen Joan
Muser and Gingerich have written a helpful new contribution to the growing collection of educational books for persons with mental illness and their families. As contrasted to Torrey’s (1995) now classic text, which effectively presents the political aspects of living with a mental illness in our society, Coping with Schizophrenia focuses on presenting worksheets, questionnaires, and tables of information designed to increase the family’s knowledge and confidence in supporting the person with schizophrenia. The information is presented in a well-organized, readable format which has been useful to families with whom I have worked. The many check-lists and exercises guide families who often are struggling to learn how to be most helpful to their recovering family member. In my work with families I recommend both works: Torrey’s (1995) to assist families in confronting the stigma of having a brain disease; Mueser and Gingerich’s to assist them in practical strategies for supporting their family member. Those who believe in psychological etiologies for schizophrenia would likely find little of use in either text.
REFERENCE
Torrey, E. F. (1995). Surviving schizophrenia. (3rd ed.). New York: HarperPerennial. Karen Joan Ludwig, LCPC
Shoreline Community Mental Health Services Bath, ME
Copyright American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy Jul 1996
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