Schizophrenia for Dummies

The doctors Levine have produced a remarkably understandable and, may I say, SMART edition to the Dummies series published by Wiley. I have struggled to read other books about psychiatry and various illnesses over the years, and have usually put them down to get a dictionary or to call my own psychiatrist for translation. Schizophrenia for Dummies does not insult. This book cares about families and patients who suffer, sometimes needlessly, through severe mental illness and when fortunate, to a life of recovery. This book explains basic facts and offers immediate support and resources. It is a clearinghouse without a toll-free number. The book is a must-read for anyone who has a mental illness and has questions, as well as family members and the general public who need much of this education. My mental illness struck at a young age and at a time when families had little to no resources to maneuver through the "system." I cannot recall my family's exact plight to locate basic information, but I know now that this book would have been indispensable. With accurate and thoughtful presentation of the material displayed here, I can only hope that today's families, patients, and consumers will find what they need to traverse the healthcare system and yes, their own illnesses and pathways to wellness. Professionals in the mental health field are probably not "dummies," but a review of this book to gain additional and current knowledge should be required. I could see a copy of this book available in waiting rooms, self-help agencies, and organizations that represent persons with mental illnesses or who advocate for systems improvements. This sophisticated book combines practical information with scientific know-how. Schizophrenia for Dummies is a refreshing contribution to the literature available in the lay world yet helps us to understand the science behind mental illness and the treatments that promote wellness in clear and hopeful terms. This is a true sign of a book that is accessible. The Levines have given us a smart book that I recommend to everyone. Laura Van Tosh Oregon, USA

If only I had been able to read this book twenty years ago -- then I would have finally understood everything there is to know about schizophrenia. Back then, no one spoke about mental illness or schizophrenia; nor did anyone understood what it meant. As a result, I had no way of knowing that my schizophrenics sister was not making anything up, that she truly had a disease. Had I had access to this wonderful, informative, extraordinary book, I would have been able to help her, my parents wouldn't have felt so guilty (thinking it was their fault), and my family would not have been torn to pieces with grief, guilt, and despair. This is a MUST READ for anyone who wants to understand what it means to be a schizophrenic and how other family members can deal with it. Margie Goldsmith Novelist, Essayist, Journalist

Great book. Very informative and helped a lot to understand this disease. Also learned many coping skills.

After two decades of writing about psychiatric issues for both psychiatrists and consumers, I was particularly pleased to see this long-overdue primer about schizophrenia enter the general marketplace. Surrounded so long by stigma, fear and ignorance, schizophrenia now can be better understood as the common, no-fault, treatable brain disorder it is. This easy-to-understand book authored by a noted medical journalist and her psychiatrist husband will help the general public, patients and their families, journalists, primary-care physicians and others understand the real facts about schizophrenia. Such understanding can reduce the anguish and long period of time, typically eight years, that it takes before symptoms are recognized and treated. The book's accessible and even enjoyable style will be of particular value as a go-to resource for the newly diagnosed and their families as they struggle to come to grips with this disease, and offers comfort, hope and the practical knowledge required to navigate the complexities of treatment. Every clinician should have it handy on their bookshelves, ready to give to patients and their families. I congratulate these two seasoned clinicians and researchers for using their combined decades of expertise to clear up a subject long shrouded in misunderstanding and unnecessary suffering.

A wealth of information that is easy to read and understand. Love the real life perspectives that not only help the individual but also the family. Kudos to the authors for a portraying the big picture with the right amount of details to make it sensible. This is everything you need to know but didn't know to ask!