Narratives of Recovery from Serious Mental Illness [Hardcover]

In this informative and inspiring book the author narrates the stories of 12 patients whom he treated during their recovery from serious mental illness.? These narratives reveal their common struggles: misdiagnosis, dual-diagnosis, impeded access to medication, medication-adherence issues, homelessness, employment/unemployment issues, and problems with governmental agencies.?? They also reveal some of the satisfactions of practicing outreach psychiatry: appreciating the patients resilience, persistence, and talents, and the cooperation of outside service-providers, all of which promote recovery.? Each patients path is unique.? Their successes remind us that schizophrenia, paranoia, bipolar illness, and substance abuse need not preclude a productive and satisfying life.

? Direct quotations from patients demonstrate their awareness of their problems and progress.

? Patients acceptance promotes flexibility and creativity from their psychiatrist.

? Team members provide innovative and targeted support.

? The psychiatrist identifies aspects his interactions with these patients that contributed to his professional development.

? A unique feature is the documentation of patients monthly progress for up to 6 years.

Though no one knows what initiates recovery, this book vividly describes how it does so.?? For psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers these are compelling stories of hope and a powerful call to consider outreach psychiatry.

Introduction.-What is Recovery, and How Does it relate to Stability?.- What is Serious Mental Illness?.- Why We Need Outreach Psychiatry.- My Personal Career Trajectory.- The Pathways Model.- My View How these Patients Changed.- How these Narratives Emerged.- Confidentiality and Consent.- Reference List.- Gary N.- Pamela P.- Bernardo H.- Victoria N.- Richard G.- Marl3#