Just a few years ago, a diagnosis of schizophrenia meant that the patient had no hope of living anything approaching a normal life. Advances in medicine and psychology have empowered individuals with schizophrenia to take responsibility for managing their care and given them the help they need to begin to live a fuller life. In fact, active participation in a self-directed care program is now considered an essential component of successful treatment. Written directly to the person who has schizophrenia, this guide explains what the disorder is, describes the treatment options, and helps readers understand what resources are available to them. Medication is a key factor, and the author lets readers know what to expect and stresses the importance of staying on track. She also provides a set of self-help strategies, including detailed, step-by-step suggestions for making use of their innovative collaborative cure approach, a method which brings together a group of professionals and people close to the person with schizophrenia, who can act as a support team to help the schizophrenic return to a state of positive mental health. | 
