Treatment and Rehabilitation of Severe Mental Illness

Book excerpt: Synthesizing the growing body of biomedical and psychosocial research on the nature and treatment of severe mental illness, this volume presents an innovative framework for planning and implementing effective rehabilitation services. An integrative model of case formulation is described that conceptualizes the individual's recovery on multiple levels: physiological, cognitive, interpersonal, behavioral, and environmental. The authors draw on outcome research and extensive clinical experience to identify interventions of known effectiveness, including psychopharmacology, functional assessment, behavioral analysis, and cognitive therapies. Outlining a comprehensive approach to assessment, treatment, and progress evaluation, the book also provides practical recommendations for program development and staff training. A broad range of professionals involved in treatment and rehabilitation of people with severe mental illness, including clinical psychologists, neuropsychologists, and psychiatrists, as well as advanced students in these areas. Also of interest to nurses, hospital administrators, and social workers.