The Family Intervention Guide to Mental Illness

July 2, 2007
Detailed but not overwhelming, Morey and Mueser have created an extremely helpful addition to the family medical reference library. Morey and Mueser's straightforward writing style and common sense approach guide readers through a step-by-step process for helping a mentally afflicted loved one. Chapters begin with a "fundamental step" ("Discuss the situation openly," "Get a correct diagnosis"), and end with a list of "good steps" ("Familiarize yourself with the symptoms") and "missteps" ("Thinking that it's none of your business") which give readers extra guidance. Practical information and advice are well illustrated by vignettes and case histories; included are strategies for introducing the idea of getting help, thumbnail descriptions of a wide range of mental illnesses, coping with long-term interventions and how to keep on "living your own life." Therapies, including medication, are also surveyed, as well as resources for further information. Comprehensive, compassionate and rooted in solid research, this easy-to-read guidebook is suitable for any family in search of answers.

Starred review from July 1, 2007
According to data from the U.S. surgeon general, more than 54 million Americans have a mental disorder in any given year, while only eight million seek treatment. To educate the public, Morey (former president, Concord, NH, chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness) and Mueser (clinical psychiatry & community & family medicine, Dartmouth Medical Sch.) have assembled this solid, pragmatic lay guide to understanding and identifying common mental illnesses and assisting loved ones who suffer from them. Readers will learn how to recognize the signs of mental illness in a timely fashion and get effective treatment, as well as come to understand the role of family members in helping their loved ones manage and recover from mental illness. This highly useful material is organized into sections on finding out about and discussing various mental illnesses, how mental illnesses are diagnosed and treated, and long-term strategies for maintaining wellness. The superb appendixes provide further information on psychiatric medications, mental health resource organizations, and a handy nine-step guide to recognizing and managing mental illness. While targeted to lay readers, this book will also be of value to professionals. Highly recommended for public libraries.Dale Farris, Groves, TX

Copyright 2007 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.