Staying Well After Psychosis: A Cognitive Interpersonal Approach to Recovery and Relapse Prevention

So few books are out there for families with loved ones who have suffered a psychotic episode, that I started with this book out of desperation. It was a very difficult read for the lay person, but I did come away with some valuable statistics, and at least a general idea of what our family is up against. I learned the probabilities of relapse; the signs of illness and impending relapse; and I learned what patients and their families often feel and experience as a result of psychosis. It did help me think compassionately towards myself as I have been very overwhelmed and depressed as a primary care provider for an elderly sufferer with late- life onset (first episode). The book was written by psychiatrists practicing in the UK. The language is not only very clinical, but a bit foreign to this American reader. The book does talk about cognitive treatment strategies for patients, but it was so difficult to read that as a lay person I didn't gain a whole lot from those sections of the book. I rated it five star for its well documented research content and statistical information. However, I do feel the title should have included "Clinician's Guide / Handbook," or something like that, rather than seeming to appeal to the sufferer. At no point in the book does it even talk to the sufferer directly.