During his second semester at college, Kurt Snyder became convinced that he was about to discover a fabulously important mathematical principle, spending hours lost in daydreams about numbers and symbols. In time, his thoughts took a darker turn, and he became preoccupied with the idea that cars were following him, or that strangers wanted to harm him. Kurt's mind had been hijacked by schizophrenia, a severe mental disorder that typically strikes during the late teen or young adult years.
In Me, Myself, and Them, Kurt, now an adult, looks back from the vantage point of recovery and eloquently describes the debilitating changes in thoughts and perceptions that took hold of his life during his teens and twenties. As a memoir, this book is remarkable for its unvarnished look at the slow and difficult process of coming back from severe mental illness. Yet Kurt's memoir is only half the story. With the help of psychiatrist Raquel E. Gur, M.D., Ph.D., and veteran science writer Linda Wasmer Andrews, Kurt paints the big picture for others affected by adolescent schizophrenia. Drawing on the latest scientific and medical evidence, he explains how to recognize warning signs, where to find help, and what treatments have proved effective. Kurt also offers practical advice on topics of particular interest to young people, such as suggestions on managing the illness at home, school, and work, and in relationships with family and friends.
Part of the Adolescent Mental Health Initiative series of books written specifically for teens and young adults, My, Myself, and Them offers hope to young people who are struggling with schizophrenia, helping them to understand and manage the challenges of this illness and go on to lead healthy lives.
ISBN-13: 9780195311228
Media Type: Paperback
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Publication Date: 10-29-2007
Pages: 192
Product Dimensions: 8.22(w) x 5.51(h) x 0.51(d)
Age Range: 14 - 18 Years
Series: Adolescent Mental Health Initiative
Kurt Snyder is a database administrator for the state of Maryland as well as president of his local volunteer fire department.
Rachel Gur, MD, PhD, is Professor of Psychiatry, Neurology, and Radiology at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, where she has acted as Director of the Neuropsychiatry section and the Schizophrenia Research Center.
Linda Wasmer Andrews is a freelance health and psychology writer based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She is the coauthor of Monochrome Days: A Firsthand Account of One Teenager's Experience with Depression as well as the author or coauthor of numerous other books, including Stress Control for Peace of Mind. Her writing has appeared in magazines such as Self, Parenting, and Psychology Today.
Table of Contents
bPreface/b. 1. Overview of SchizophreniaiKurt's story/iiThe big picture/iDefinition of schizophreniaPrevalenceCausesSigns and symptoms2. Subtypes and symptomsiKurt's story/iAfter collegeIridiumFirst psychotic episodePartially recovering from psychosisiThe big picture/iSubtypes of schizophreniaPositive symptoms, in detailNegative symptoms, in detail3. Losing Touch With RealityiKurt's story/iSecond psychotic episodeWondering...is there something wrong with me?Trying to work, inability to functioniThe big picture/iDisruptive effects of untreated schizophreniaHospitalizationiSidebars/iQuotes from another individual with schizophreniaTips on planning for an out-of-town trip, such as Kurt's trip to New YorkWhat to do if you're feeling suicidal4. Diagnosis and TreatmentiKurt's story/iBizarre ideation, another admission to the hospitalA new diagnosis-schizophreniaDeciding to take medicationiThe big picture/iDiagnostic processCommon comorbiditiesTreatment options5. Living With SchizophreniaiKurt's story/iA deep depressionGrandmother dies, having inappropriate affectA gift from a friend-continuing educationDeciding to do something worthwhile, joining the fire departmentA year later-a new jobiThe big picture/iComing to terms with your illnessDeveloping strategies for successPsychiatric rehabilitationSupport groups6. Outlook for the FutureiKurt's story/iSlow improvement, doing progressively better as each year passesRelying on friends and family for helpMy life now-symptom-free, continuing to take the medicationiThe big picture/iPrognosis with appropriate treatmentOvercoming societal stigmaEducating others about schizophrenia, based on what you now knowDebunking common mythsbFrequently Asked Questions/bbGlossary/bbResource List/bbBibliography/b
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