Family Psychoeducation
Workbook
Chapter 12: Readings and Other Resources
Essential Readings For Practitioners
The following four books are recommended references for those wanting to master this approach. The first includes key elements of the Anderson and Falloon approach and should be read first. The Miklowitz, et al., book is an important reference for those working with consumers with bipolar disorder.
McFarlane, W.R., Multifamily Groups in the Treatment of Severe Psychiatric Disorders, New York, NY, Guilford, 2002.
Anderson, C., Hogarty, G., Reiss, D., Schizophrenia and the Family, New York, NY, Guilford Press, 1986
Falloon, I., Boyd, J., McGill, C., Family Care of Schizophrenia, New York, NY, Guilford Press, 1984.
Miklowitz, D.J., Goldstein, M., Bipolar Disorder: A Family-focused Treatment Approach, New York, NY, Guilford Press, 1997
Additional Resources For Practitioners
Amenson, C., Schizophrenia: A Family Education Curriculum, Pacific Clinics, 1998.
Provides 150 slides with lecture notes for a class for families with a member with schizophrenia. Includes information about the illness, medication and psychosocial treatments and the role of the family in promoting recovery.
Amenson, C., Schizophrenia: Family Education Methods, Pacific Clinics, 1998.
Companion handbook to Schizophrenia: A Family Education Curriculum provides methods for forming a class, optimizing the learning of families, and dealing with typical problems that arise in conducting family classes.
Mueser K, Glynn S: Behavioral Family Therapy for Psychiatric Disorders. Oakland, New Harbinger Publications, 1999
A comprehensive model of single-Family Psychoeducation that includes a multifamily discussion/support group. The book contains individual educational handouts for various psychiatric diagnoses and handout for various related topic areas.
Psychopharmacology
The Essential Guide to Psychiatric Drugs by J. Gorman, St. Martin’s Press, 1995.
Written for a sophisticated consumer, it is the most accessible source of information about psychotropic medications. It distills the Physician’s Desk Reference into understandable language. It describes the individual “trees” (such as Prozac) in the forest of medicines. “The benzodiazepines: Are they really dangerous?” is a typical section heading.
Medicine and Mental Illness by M. Lickey and B. Gordon, Freeman, 1991.
A scholarly yet readable work written for professionals, it is best at teaching the principles of diagnosis, neurophysiology and psychopharmacological treatment of mental illness. It describes the “forest” of psychopharmacology, why it is there and how it works. “The blockade of dopamine receptors and antipsychotic potency” is a typical section heading. It does not discuss the profiles of individual medications.
Cultural Competence
The Cross-Cultural Practice of Clinical Case Management in Mental Health edited by Peter Manoleas, Haworth Press, 1996.
A collection of useful articles about the role of gender, ethnicity, and acculturation in treatment seeking and response. Provides guidelines for engaging and intervening with specific ethnic and diagnostic groups in varying treatment contexts.
Videotapes
Schizophrenia Explained by William R. McFarlane, M.D. Produced by, and order from, the author at Maine Medical Center, 22 Bramhall Street, Portland, ME 04102. (Phone 207-871-2091). mcfarw@mmc.org
This provides a full review in lay language of the psychobiology of schizophrenia, emphasizing the key concepts in Family Psychoeducation: stress reduction, optimal environments and interactions for recovery, and support for the family’s ability to contribute to recovery in many ways. It is often used in lieu of a psychiatrist during Family Education Workshops and for staffs of case management programs, community residences and employment programs to help them understand how to assist consumers with this disorder.
Exploring Schizophrenia by Christopher S. Amenson, Ph.D. Produced by the California Alliance for the Mentally Ill (Phone 916-567-0163).
This videotape uses everyday language to describe schizophrenia and give guidelines for coping with illness for consumers and their families.
Surviving and Thriving with a Mentally Ill Relative by Christopher Amenson, Ph.D., Third edition 1998.
Eighteen hours of good “home video quality” videotapes cover schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, medication, psychosocial rehabilitation, relapse prevention, motivation, and family skills. Order from Paul Burk, 1352 Hidden Springs Lane, Glendora, CA 91740. (Phone 626-335-1307).
Critical Connections: A Schizophrenia Awareness Video produced by the American Psychiatric Association, 1997.
This 30 minute video was designed by the APA to help consumers and families cope with the disabling effects of schizophrenia. It provides a hopeful, reassuring message about new medications and psychosocial treatments that assist with recovery.
Exploring Bipolar Disorder by Jerome V. Vaccaro, M.D., 1996
One hour professional quality videotape describes the illness, recovery, and the role of the family. Persons with the illness contribute valuable insights. Produced by and ordered from the California Alliance for the Mentally Ill, 1111 Howe Avenue, Suite 475, Sacramento, CA 95825. Phone 916-567-0163.
Periodicals
Schizophrenia Bulletin
Highly technical and difficult to read but it is the ultimate source for research findings. The fall 1995 issue summarizes “Treatment Outcomes Research”.
Psychiatric Services
Practical articles in all aspects of mental illness. Brief clinically relevant articles on medication and other treatments. The most useful periodical for clinical staff.
Psychosocial Rehabilitation
Practical psychosocial rehabilitation articles. Easy to read and understand. Provides “how to” details. Contains good consumer written articles.
Other Resources
There are a number of excellent books written for persons with a mental illness and their families to help them understand and deal with these illnesses. Many of these are helpful for professionals directly and all are important resources to which to refer patients and families. (See Reading List for Families.) Many of the professional and family books are offered at a discount by The National Alliance on Mental Illness, 200 N. Glebe Road, Suite 1015, Arlington, VA 22203-3754. Phone 703-524-7600.
Books on Mood Disorders (Bipolar and Unipolar Depressions)
A Brilliant Madness: Living with Manic Depressive Illness by Patty Duke and Gloria Hochman. (Bantam, 1992)
Combines personal experience with clinical information to describe manic depression in understandable terms and provide guidelines for coping with it.
Control Your Depression by Peter Lewinsohn, Ricardo Munoz, Mary Ann Youngren, and Antonette Zeiss.(Prentice Hall, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, 1979)
Self-help book which assesses contributors to depression and includes activities, relaxation techniques, thinking, social skills, self-control, and specific ideas and exercises for each problem area.
The Depression Workbook by Mary Ellen Copeland. (Harbinger, 1992)
Assists individuals in taking responsibility for wellness by using charts and techniques to track and control moods. The most complete and useful self help book for bipolar and unipolar depressions.
The Feeling Good Handbook by David Burns, (Penguin, New York, NY, 1989)
Self-help book presents rationale for cognitive therapy for depression. Gives specific ideas and exercises to help change thought patterns associated with depression and other problems.
Lithium and Manic Depression: A Guide by John Bohn and James Jefferson.
A very helpful guide for people with manic depression and their families regarding lithium treatment. Order from Lithium Information Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin, 600 Highland Ave., Madison, WI 53792.
Our Special Mom and Our Special Dad by Tootsie Sobkiewicz (Pittsburgh: Children of Mentally Ill Parents, 1994 and 1996)
Two interactive storybooks that allow primary school age children to understand and identify with the problems associated with having a mentally ill parent. Can be well utilized by a relative or therapist in individual or group work.
Overcoming Depression, Third Edition by D. & J. Papolos (Harper & Row, 1997).
A comprehensive book written for persons suffering from manic depression and major depression, as well as their families. It is the best source of information about these disorders. Does not offer coping strategies. This book and The Depression Workbook are the best two to read.
An Unquiet Mind by Kay Redfield Jamison
A compelling and emotional account of the author’s awareness, denial, and acceptance of her bipolar disorder. It offers hope and insight regarding recovery for anyone who reads it.
Books on Dual Diagnosis (Mental Illness and Substance Abuse)
Alcohol, Street Drugs, and Emotional Problems: What you need to know by B. Pepper and H. Ryglewicz.
These informative pamphlets come in versions for the client, for the family and for professionals. They can be ordered from TIE Lines, 20 Squadron Blvd. Suite 400, New York, NY 10956.
Lives at Risk: Understanding and Treating Young People with Dual Disorders by B. Pepper and H. Rygelwicz
Poignant description of the combination of schizophrenia, mood disorders, and/or personality disorders with substance abuse. Strong on empathy and understanding of the multiple problems. Provides little specific guidance.
Hazelden Publications (RW9 P.O. Box 176, Center City, MN 55012-0176 Phone 1-800-328-9000 or Website www.htbookplace.org
Publishes a large number of pamphlets and self-help books on substance abuse and dual diagnoses. Examples of titles include:
Preventing Relapse Workbook
Taking Care of Yourself: When a family member has a dual diagnosis
Twelve Steps and Dual Disorders
Understanding Schizophrenia and Addiction
Books About Children Who Have a Mental Illness
Children and Adolescents with Mental Illness: A Parents Guide by E. McElroy (Woodbine House, 1988)
Useful guide written by a psychologist who heads the NAMI Children’s and Adolescent network.
Educational Rights of Children with Disorders: A Primer for Advocates by Center for Law and Education. (Cambridge 1991.)
Neurobiological Disorders in Children and Adolescents by E. Peschel, R. Peschel and C. Howe. (Oxford Press, 1992)
Biological mental illnesses among children are less common and less understood “family problems”. This book helps to define childhood neurobiological disorders and gives guidance for finding appropriate treatment.
Books on Special Topics
Planning for the Future and the Life Planning Workbook by L. Mark Russell and Arnold Grant (American Publishing Company, 1995)
This book and accompanying workbook are guides for parents seeking to provide for the future security and happiness of an adult child with a disability following the parents’ deaths.
A Parent’s Guide to Wills and Trusts by Don Silver. (Adams-Hall, 1992)
Information on how to protect a disabled child’s financial future, written by an attorney and NAMI member.
Schizophrenia and Genetic Risks by Irving Gottesman.
This pamphlet contains detailed information about this single topic. It may be ordered from NAMI.
A Street is Not a Home: Solving American’s Homeless Dilemma by Robert Coates. (Prometheus, 1990)
Analysis and guide to dealing with homelessness among persons suffering from mental illness.
Suicide Survivors: A Guide for Those Left Behind by Adina Wrobleski. (Afterwards, 1991.)
With an understanding attitude, the author explores and offers coping suggestions for the many issues that confront families who have had a member kill himself.
Reading List For Families With A Member Who Has A Mental Illness
(Annotations by Christopher S. Amenson, Ph.D.)
Books Which Offer Guidance To Families
Coping with Schizophrenia: A Guide for Families by Kim Mueser and Susan Gingerich. (New Harbinger, 1994)
Comprehensive guide to living with schizophrenia and the best source for practical advice on topics including medication, preventing relapse, communication, family rules, drug use, and planning for the future. Includes forms and worksheets for solving typical problems.
Schizophrenia: Straight Talk for Families and Friends by Maryellen Walsh. (Morrow & Co., 1985).
A parent who, as a professional writer, thoroughly researched the field writes this book. This book is emotional in ways that will touch you and deals with all the issues important to families of persons of schizophrenia. If you can read only one book, select this one if you want to feel understood; select Understanding Schizophrenia to access current research on causes and treatments; select Coping with Schizophrenia if you want concrete advice about coping with the illness.
Surviving Schizophrenia: A Family Manual, Third Edition by E. Fuller Torrey. (Harper & Row, 1995).
Beloved by the Alliance for the Mentally Ill because it was the first book in 1983 to support and educate families. Contains one of the best descriptions of “The Inner World of Madness”. Discusses the major topics in easy to read and very pro-family language.
Troubled Journey: Coming to Terms with the Mental Illness of a Sibling or Parent by Diane Marsh and Rex Dickens (Tarcher/Putnam, 1997)
The best book for siblings and adult children. Helps to recognize and resolve the impact of mental illness on childhood. Seeks to renew self-esteem and improve current family and other relationships.
Understanding Schizophrenia: A Guide to the New Research on Causes and Treatment by Richard Keefe and Philip Harvey. (The Free Press, 1994)
The best description of research on schizophrenia as of 1994. It provides more depth and detail than Surviving Schizophrenia and is a little more difficult to read. A must for families that want to understand the science of schizophrenia.
How to Live with a Mentally Ill Person: A Handbook of Day-to-Day Strategies by Christine Adamec. (John Wiley and Sons, 1996)
This comprehensive, easy-to-read book is written by a parent. It reviews methods for accepting the illness, dealing with life issues, developing coping strategies, negotiating the mental health system, and more.
Books Describing The Experience of Schizophrenia
Anguished Voices: Siblings and Adult Children of Persons with Psychiatric Disabilities by Rex Dickens and Diane Marsh (Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation, 1994.)
Collection of 8 well-written articles which describe the impact of mental illness on siblings and children. A poignant statement of the issues across the life span that need to be addressed when a person grows up with mental illness in the family.
Crazy Quilt by Jocelyn Riley (William Morrow, 1984)
Fictional account of a 13-year-old girl whose mother has schizophrenia. Written for children and adolescents. Provides understanding for these forgotten victims.
Is There No Place on Earth for Me? by Susan Sheehan. (Houghton-Mifflin, 1982.)
A very realistic depiction of the experience of schizophrenic woman is interwoven with information about legal, funding, and treatment issues. Gives a good description of historical and political influences on the treatment of persons suffering from schizophrenia. Won the Pulitzer Prize.
Tell Me I’m Here: One Family’s Experience with Schizophrenia by Ann Devesch. (Penquin, 1992)
Written by a United Nations Media Peace Prize winner and founder of Schizophrenia Australia, this book describes their family’s experience.
The Quiet Room by Lori Schiller. (1994)
The life story of a person who had an almost full recovery from schizophrenia with clozapine. Great for its inspirational value.
The Skipping Stone: Ripple Effects of Mental Illness on the Family by Mona Wasow (Science and Behavior Books, 1995)
Describes the impact of mental illness on each member of the family in a “Tower of Babel”. Information is from in-depth interviews with family members and professionals.
The Girl with the Crazy Brother by Betty Hyland (Franklin Watts, 1986)
Written for adolescents by an Alliance for the Mentally Ill member. Describes in short novel form the experience of a teenage girl trying to understand the sudden deterioration of her older brother.
Website resources
