ABSTRACT
Extensive scientific research has been conducted into understanding and learning more about psychotic experiences. However, in existing research the voice of subjective experience is rarely taken into consideration. In this book, first-person accounts are brought centre-stage and examined alongside current research to suggest how personal experience can contribute to professional understanding, and therefore the treatment, of psychosis.
Experiencing Psychosis brings together a range of contributors who have either experienced psychosis on a personal level or conducted research into the topic. Chapters are presented in pairs providing information from both personal and research perspectives on specific aspects of psychosis including: hearing voices, delusional beliefs, and trauma as well as cultural, existential and spiritual issues. Experts from the field recognise that first and foremost psychosis is a human experience and that those who suffer from psychotic episodes must have some involvement in any genuine attempts to make sense of the experience.
This book will be essential reading for all mental health professionals involved with psychosis. The accessible style and compelling personal histories will also attract service users and their families.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
part 1|17 pages
Recovery
part 2|22 pages
Cultural perspectives
part III|23 pages
Spirituality
part IV|19 pages
Existential/sense of self issues
chapter Chapter 10|9 pages
The uncertainty of being
part V|21 pages
At risk mental state
part 6|20 pages
Trauma
chapter Chapter 14|10 pages
The subjective experience of the link between bad things happening and psychosis
part 7|18 pages
Hearing Voices
chapter Chapter 16|9 pages
Myriad voices, myriad meanings
part 8|21 pages
Delusional beliefs
part 9|20 pages
Negative symptoms
chapter Chapter 20|9 pages
The subjective experience of negative symptoms
part 10|28 pages
Family perspectives