The First Episode of Psychosis : A Guide for Patients and Their Families

"The First Episode of Psychosis is the ideal book for patients experiencing the frightening and confusing initial episode of psychosis, which often occurs during late adolescence or early adulthood, and which affects nearly 3% of all people over the course of their lifetime. The book covers a range of disorders, focusing on primary psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia and schizophreniform disorder, clearly describing symptoms, early warning signs, and treatment--information that is essential for patients and families faced with the challenges posed by psychosis. The book also discusses psychiatric evaluation, healthy lifestyle choices, and the stigma often associated with mental illnesses. Worksheets allow readers to keep records of symptoms to facilitate communication with care providers, and an extensive glossary clarifies the dizzying array of terms used by medical professionals. Optimistic, practical, and recovery-oriented, The First Episode of Psychosis will help patients and their families to take an active, informed role in their care to ensure the best possible prognosis." -- Publisher Part I. Answering Your Basic Questions -- What Is Psychosis? -- What Are The Symptoms Of Psychosis? -- What Diagnoses Are Associated With Psychosis? -- What Causes Primary Psychotic Disorders Like Schizophrenia? -- Part Ii. Clarifying The Initial Evaluation And Treatment Of Psychosis -- The Initial Evaluation Of Psychosis -- Medicines Use To Treat Psychosis -- Psychosocial Treatments For Early Psychosis -- Follow-up And Sticking With Treatment -- Part Iii. Helping You Look Ahead To Next Steps -- Early Warning Signs And Preventing A Relapse -- Staying Healthy -- Promoting Recovery -- Fighting Stigma -- Reducing Stress, Coping, And Communicating Effectively: Tips For Family Members And Patients -- Finding Specialized Programs For Early Psychosis -- Seeking More Information -- Understanding Mental Health First Aid For Psychosis. Michael T. Compton And Beth Broussard. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 235-237) And Index. Optimistic, practical, and recovery-oriented, The First Episode of Psychosis will help patients and their families to take an active, informed role in their care to ensure the best possible prognosis. For patients experiencing the frightening and confusing initial episode of psychosis, which often occurs during late adolescence or early adulthood, and which affects nearly 3% of all people over the course of their lifetime, the book covers a range of disorders, focusing on primary psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia and schizophreniform disorder, clearly describing symptoms, early warning signs, and treatment - information that is essential for patients and families faced with the challenges posed by psychosis. The book also discusses psychiatric evaluation, healthy lifestyle choices, and the stigma often associated with mental illnesses