Schizophrenia: The Positive Perspectivecounters a century-long tradition which has searched relentlessly for the critical deficits and dysfunctions in schizophrenic people. Peter Chadwick, who has himself suffered from the illness, shows that such people can demonstrate elevated creativity, empathy and social sensitivity and are by no means as irrational and misguided as is commonly thought. The author presents the fascinating case studies of some schizophrenics with whom he has worked. Using autobiography, biography, psychometric and experimental methods, he reveals areas of enhanced functioning in those vulnerable to the schizophrenia label, and argues for a much more positive picture of the schizophrenia-prone mind.

Uses essays and biographical sketches to discuss schizophrenia and how it can be viewed in a positive light, offering advice on methods of coping, paths to growth, and recovery and well-being.

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.

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.

"With an introduction by Dr. Richard O'Reilly"--Cover.

While there are a number of books on positive psychology, Positive Psychiatry is unique in its biological foundation and medical rigor and is the only book designed to bring positive mental health ideas and interventions into mainstream psychiatric research, training, and clinical practice. After an overview describing the definition, history, and goals of positive psychiatry, the contributors—pioneers and thought leaders in the field—explore positive psychosocial factors, such as resilience and psychosocial growth; positive outcomes, such as recovery and well-being; psychotherapeutic and behavioral interventions, among others; and special topics, such as child and geriatric psychiatry, diverse populations, and bioethics. The book successfully brings the unique skill sets and methods of psychiatry to the larger positive health movement. Each chapter highlights key points for current clinical services, as practiced by psychiatrists, primary care doctors, and nurses, as well as those in allied health and mental health fields. These readers will find Positive Psychiatry to be immensely helpful in bringing positive mental health concepts and interventions into the clinical arena.

Author Robert Francis has been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia for longer than a quarter century. Over the many years, Robert has been intimately familiar with the commonly tempered expectations and diminished hopes for those living with schizophrenia to live a full and abundant life, similar to others. In his now third book on living with schizophrenia, Robert was driven to literary action, to flip the schizophrenia narrative from one of abundant deficits to one of abundant strengths. In A Strength’s Perspective; Life Lessons Learned from Living with Schizophrenia, Robert details personal strengths and life lessons learned from living with schizophrenia for many years. The narrative shows a positive spin on the schizophrenia diagnosis as well as on its prognosis. Robert precludes such positive reflectivity as a simple or wishful pie-in-the-sky naïveté, and instead neatly details such positives as resoundingly rational, insightful, and genuine. Robert truly believes in recovery from schizophrenia, which includes a robust and fulfilling life, similar to everyone else, and the absence of the requisite “grim perspective”. Across all literary domains, the strengths of living with schizophrenia are barely addressed, that is, until now. Join Robert as he spins a most positive perspective to living with schizophrenia.