Traditionally, psychiatry views man in terms of three dimensions—his relationship with himself; his relationship with other people; and his relationship with his surroundings and the physical world. Man’s fourth dimension, his relationship with the supranatural or spiritual, is the subject of this chapter.(26 pp.)
Download Author: Andreasen, Nancy C., M.D. Ph.D.
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Understanding Mental Illness: A Layman’s Guide
For centuries the treatment of psychiatric illness was rooted in superstition and misunderstanding. Even today fear, shame, and guilt haunt the family and friends of the mentally ill.
This book is designed to give the general reader accurate information about mental illness—a disease like any other, but one which happens to affect the nervous system and, therefore, emotion and behavior rather than the heart, lungs, or kidneys.
In clear, non-technical language Dr. Andreassen helps the reader understand the types of mental illness—schizophrenia, mania, depression, delirium, senility, paranoia, various neuroses and the effects of alcoholism and drug abuse—their symptoms and causes. She describes the kinds of professional help available and offers advice to relatives and friends on how they can be supportive.
Dr. Andreasen stresses that man’s spiritual relationships are just as important as his relationships with himself, with others, and with his environment. Using case studies and examples, she demonstrates how psychiatric problems can often be illuminated or alleviated by religion. (128 pp.)
What Psychiatric Illness Means
As a psychiatrist, I feel profound sorrow and compassion for the unfortunate individuals who for thousands of years suffered from psychiatric illness in an age less enlightened than ours. And I hope that after reading this book you will no longer feel shame, fear, or guilt; that you will become a crusader for a future age when mental illness is recognized as what it is—a disease like any other, but one which happens to affect the nervous system and, therefore, emotion and behavior rather than the heart, lungs, or kidneys. (10 pp)
Types of Psychiatric Illness
Our diagnoses still lack some precision today, but, nevertheless, a number of discrete illnesses have been delineated, and the layman, particularly someone who must deal with mental illness in a family member, will usually benefit from knowing psychiatric terminology. (47 pp.)
What Causes Psychiatric Disorders
It is only natural for the person suffering from a psychiatric disorder or his relatives to ask the question “Why me?” Psychiatry does have a variety of theories and hypotheses concerning what causes psychiatric illness but it also has much to learn still. (18 pp.)
Types of Treatment
Facilities and personnel available to help people with emotional or psychiatric problems have increased enormously in both quality and quantity over the past 30 years. The various types of personnel, facilities, and therapy available are described in this chapter. (34 pp.)
How Friends and Relatives Can Help
Psychiatrists and medications can help patients alleviate their symptoms. But friends and relatives can help them find faith, hope, and love. (19 pp.)
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