Routledge Schizophrenia: The Positive Perspective: Explorations at the Outer Reaches of Human Experience

This fully revised second edition of Schizophrenia: The Positive Perspective uses biographical sketches and essays to discuss schizophrenia and related conditions, providing advice on methods of coping, routes to growth, recovery and well-being, and how schizophrenia can be viewed in a positive light. It also explores the insights of R.D. Laing and discusses how they can be applied to contemporary ideas and research. In this expanded edition Peter Chadwick, a previous sufferer, builds on his earlier edition and introduces new topics including: Cannabis smoking and schizophrenia. Psychoanalytic approaches to psychosis and their extension into the spiritual domain. Using cognitive behaviour therapy in the treatment of profound existential distress. How experiences on the edge of madness can be relevant to understanding reality. Schizophrenia: The Positive Perspective encourages hope, confidence and increased self-esteem in schizophrenia sufferers and raises new questions about how schizophrenia should be evaluated. It is important reading for anyone working with schizophrenic people including psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and other mental health professionals. Review "This excellent book is written by a psychologist who has experience psychosis. His own case history and that of others should be essential reading for both trainees and graduates in the Mental Health Field. The Accounts and the Commentaries will be a useful resource for all teachers and students who are interested in countering reductionistic tendencies in the understanding and therapy of mental illness" – Brian Martindale, Consultant Psychiatrist, Early Intervention in Psychosis Service, Northumberland Tyne and Wear NHS Trust "Peter's writings have, to my mind, been some of the most moving and inspirational in the field of mental health." - Jerome Carson "Emphasising a positive perspective on schizophrenia, this book brings a breath of fresh air to thinking about mental health...I recommend it to all healthcare professionals." - Nursing Standard, 25 [21], Jan 2011 "This excellent book is written by a psychologist who has experience psychosis. His own case history and that of others should be essential reading for both trainees and graduates in the Mental Health Field. The Accounts and the Commentaries will be a useful resource for all teachers and students who are interested in countering reductionistic tendencies in the understanding and therapy of mental illness" – Brian Martindale, Consultant Psychiatrist, Early Intervention in Psychosis Service, Northumberland Tyne and Wear NHS Trust "Peter's writings have, to my mind, been some of the most moving and inspirational in the field of mental health." - Jerome Carson About the Author Peter K. Chadwick has lectured in psychology for the universities of Liverpool, Strathclyde, Birkbeck and Goldsmiths Colleges, London, and also for the Open University. He was Professor of Community Psychology at Boston University from 1991 to 1994. He retired from teaching in 2006 and was awarded the DSc by the University of Bristol in 2007 for his research over the past four decades