I Don't Need Help! How to Help Someone with Mental Illness Accept Treatment. 10th Anniversary Edition.

If you have a loved one with mental illness this is your bible. I cried when i began reading it. It was my godsend. I could relate to every word. If anyone you care about has mental illness this book is a MUST.

I liked the constant use of patient experiences,the easy flow of information at my level and, the feeling of hope I was left with.

I would recommend this book to anyone with the slightest interest.

helps me understand the problem, not actually a disease, more like a "defect"? Will change my approach to the person having this problem, and I will be more effective in my interaction with this person since I now have a better understanding to the real issue and what the problem is. This has changed my whole outlook and knowledge.

Reading this work it was too easy to reflect on past personal decisions and the efforts made to redact and improve them. Needless to say that was in reality not possible, however it is relevant to state that is nonetheless of value to reflect upon and recall our efforts, learn from them and remain hopeful that we can continue to deal with issues in a positive and optimal manner.

It reminds me of the parenting book when your child follows the pattern the authors describe. This book took me from knowing virtually nothing about mental illness to having some understanding of what my relative is going through.

Extremely helpful information for someone dealing with a friend or family member with Schizophrenia. Dr. Amador's personal experience and insight into this puzzling disorder is encouraging. Surprisingly enough, the suggestions he makes for helping the identified patient run counterintuitive to what we usually try. I found this book to be very down to earth and readable. His recommendations for helpful responses really work!

This is a must read if you have a loved one with this condition. The title does it justice since this what you are dealing with now but Dr Amador gives you a successful dialog that over time will help you and your loved one.

Great book to read if you work in the mental health field. It changed the way in which I address the residents the locked facility in which I work. I would definitely recommend this book and if I were a Psychology professor at a college I would make it a mandatory read.

All the accolades about this book hardly tell the story. If you have a family member or loved one with mental illness this is a must-read, whether or not your loved one accepts her/his illness. It's not just about a marvelous technique for reaching people with low insight. It's a new, kinder way to view relationships and social interactions in general. I'm looking forward to reading more by him.

This is a helpful book describing how to talk to a person with mental illness. It describes a practice called reflective listening which allows you to better understand what your loved one is feeling.

recommended to me by a psychiatrist. It is a huge help for anyone trying to help an adult with mental illness.
Often people do not recognize their illness or think they can deal with it without the medicine that has been ordered for them.
This book offers techniques that work for helping to get these people to the help that they need..

I thought the idea of empathizing with the person with the mental illness is the best approach. The person with a mental illness has very little insight into their illness although it is very obvious to those around him. Asking why the person doesn't think he needs to be in the hospital or why the person was able to maintain as job this time(possibly because he was taking his meds at the time) leads the person himself to become aware of his own illness.Why would the person who has a mental illness agree to treatment if doesn't see any problem. You or I would probably respond the same.

One of the most insightful and innovative books ever written on the subject of mental illness. Even though the author writes almost soley from the denial point of view his suggestions work for any family dealing with mental illness. I began using his techniques right away and saw almost immediate results. Love this book.IF anyone wishes to know more about my success using this book please email me. [email protected]
HJW

If you've had a mental illness, worked with someone who has an illness, or lived with someone with a mental illness; this book has a way of explaining the logic you might run into. A great reminder that we are more than just our illnesses.

we didn't know what to do or where to go when we started having 'difficulties' with our daughter. the counselor suggested reading this book. this book helped provide us with insight into our daughter's illness. I would suggest this for profesionals also as well as family members who have someone they are dealing with who isn't functioning well in the 'real' world.

Awesome book, really helps with anyone that has a family member who may be in denial about any mental health issues. This book was very well written, by a physician who knows how to help. Very awesome read.

This book has helped me communicate with my younger brother in a positive, nurturing way. I have gained his trust and do reflective listening. As a result he has fewer outbursts of anger and is much easier to deal with in every aspect of his life. Thank you for a book that is easy to understand and poignant.

This book is AMAZING!!!! It saved my relationship between my 82 year old mother and myself. I continue to use the leap methood with her daily!! Thank You so much for all the wonderful information!!!! I have not only recommended it to friends and clients but to several mental health counselrs and social workers that I know..

Very informative. There is still the stigma in all communities (even the mental health clinics) re mental health. I believe Dr. Amador's status as a doctor was/is very beneficial and is farreaching. However, it is my belief the mental illness stigma will not go away unless we realize that mental sickness is a body sickness the same as a physical sickness is.

Reading this book was like having a light turned on. It changed my perception of the dynamic between me and my child.
The principle behind LEAP makes sense to me. I am grateful that I learned a new
way to listen without judgment or an adgena. I know that it will take a lot of practice.. I respect Dr. Amadour. I believe that this book has the potential to help many people who deal with mental illness which is really all of us since mental illness is so prevelant in our society.

If you have ever had anyone in your family with mental illness, this is a great book, that actually offers real things that help to get them to go get help. As you probably know anything is a help, but of all the books I have read on the subject this is the best. Please read.

Amador does a good job of reinforcing a basic message: people suffering a mental illness often lack insight into that condition and, consequently, see no need to continue a medication regime.He calls that phenomenon "lack of awareness." It is helpful to those of us giving care in those circumstances to know that this response is to be expected and is not triggered by our behavior.

However, Amador's prescription, LEAP, is idealistic and ultimately unhelpful in most cases. If only it worked 'as advertised.' He devotes no time to strategies for handling the patient's anger, mistrust, unpredictability, and resistance to many things beyond medication. That is reality for most caregivers.. I feel no more empowered than before reading the book

This book was loaded with practical and helpful information. HIGHLY recommend. Using the communication techniques is not easy, but it does help. Also helped to give me a much better understanding of mental illness and my abilities/limitations in helping my adult child.

Common sense techniques for making communication better, whether a person is mentally-impaired or not. Detailed explanations made it possible to practice and implement the techniques of the LEAP method. I heartily recommend this to anyone who has a loved one with mental illness. It gives hope!

I really really read this and really really tried it and it really really worked. I can't express how quickly the results were. My son became compliant with taking his meds in 3 days. If anything I learned how to really listen to him now and we have a much better relationship. Wow!

Listened to this on Audible about 6mos ago with the hope of gleaning some valuable insights on how to deal with a disturbed family member. I think most of the techniques highlighted are common sense and probably more personality driven than anything else. If you have a gentle, understanding, and accepting demeanor... these ideas will be what you already employ instinctively in order to diffuse anger and confrontation projected upon you from others. Six months later, there is little that I remember after having listened to this book in it's entirety hoping for a useful tidbit of information. In retrospect, I would rather have driven back and forth to work listening to classic rock; or used my Audible credit for something that would have been of more value.

The first edition of this was written about ten yrs ago by a Dr who has a brother diagnosed with bipolar and it has been updated. I found it helpful with understanding and enhancing communication skills with people with and without this dis ease.

This book is a must read for people who are working with / or has a love one who is effected with a mental illiness. This book helped me to understand why people do not want to take their medication. The root problem in some cases of mental Illiness. It hepled me to improve Better communication skills and understanding with Empathy. Most of all; We can have an impact on so many people by educating ourselves and appling the steps in this book.

"I know you probably don't believe this, but I think people can hear what I'm thinking."
(THOUGHT BROADCASTING)
I will not freak out. I will not tell Middle Boy he is being paranoid. I will fight my urge to dismiss his fears as impossible. I will help him find his way through his fears...
I will practice reflective listening.
"Let me see if I understand what you're saying. You believe people can hear your thoughts."
"Yes. People can hear my thoughts."
"How do you feel about that?"
"It upsets me! I don't want people to hear what I'm thinking."
"I don't blame you. If I thought people were hearing my thoughts, I would be very upset. Thoughts are personal."
"You think I'm crazy don't you? I know it sounds weird..."
"Have I ever told you I think you are crazy?"
"No."
"Can we try something? Just an experiment to test your theory. I'd like you to think about something--anything you want. Think it as loud as you can and I'm going to see if I can hear you. Would that be all right?"
(Admittedly, this is a gamble. If I accidentally hit on what he's thinking, it will reinforce his theory. I know I have to pick something very random and cross my fingers) "Are you thinking about it?"
"Yes."
"Okay. Are you thinking about a white kitty?"
"No."
"Are you thinking about crunchy tacos?"
"No."
"I'm sorry. I cannot hear your thoughts."
(Visible relief is noted here) "Okay."
"Did that help?"
"Yes."
"I know sometimes it feels as if others can hear what you are thinking; but I assure you, they can't. Thoughts are private. They stay inside your head. And they are just thoughts. They have no control over you. You control them. Does that make sense?"
"Yes."
~*~
This conversation took place two weeks ago in my bathroom after school. I had just finished reading a copy of, "I'm Not Sick! And I Don't Need Help!", by Xavier Amador. When I first read the description of the book, I was hesitant to buy it. Middle Boy has always been placidly complaint with medication and therapy. We avoid terminology which might be considered abrasive to his ego: hallucination, psychosis, sick, mentally ill are all terms we shy away from unless it is a private conversation between the hubby and myself. We use terms like: voices, thoughts, stress, anxiety, offering an opportunity to 'make a connection' between reality and psychosis reality. But are we doing the right thing? I wasn't sure. And I definitely wasn't sure Dr. Amador's book could help; but I needed something to submerge myself into, so I gave it a go.
So glad I did. So, so, so very glad.
Although Middle Boy participates in his care, he does not see himself as being mentally ill. I can't say I blame him. I don't think I'm mentally ill. I talk to myself (out loud) all the time. Sometimes I even do it in public places. Of course, I know I'm talking to myself. Middle Boy has conversations with other people who aren't there. On one level or another, this has been his reality for eight years. It started small: footsteps in the house, wondering if he was hearing something, or how he'd handle it if he did hear something, until finally The Others were there, chatting away. Not everyone he hears is mean and scary. Some of them are comforting, interesting, friendly. To Middle Boy they are a natural phenomenon, completely organic. To call him crazy, delusional, or any other choice medical term would not only feel like a mean spirited assault, it might cause him to turn away from those who love him and want to help.
That would be tragic.
There are some with mental illness who readily accept the term 'mental illness'. They also tend to participate in all aspects of their care right off the bat. This acceptance often goes a long way toward helping them recover. This is usually considered to be good news (especially for their friends and loved ones) since the majority of the world operates under these guidelines and terms. Once an illness is identified and tackled under the pre-approved guidelines, everyone breathes a collective sigh of relief, "They know they need help. They are getting that help. Everything is going to be okay." It might. Or it might not. Sometimes people genuinely get it. Other times they fake it to get people off their back. If the participation in care comes from a place of understanding and belief it is going to be helpful, you have the best possible scenario.
Sadly there is an equal, if not greater, number of people who have a mental illness but become alienated from any and all types of treatment. These people have some very common ground, the chief complaint being: "I'm not sick!" And honestly, if you're not sick, why on earth would you take a medication, particularly one with so many possible side effects? The answer is simple: You wouldn't. You might sit politely and listen. But if the topic of conversation was always about YOU and how completely screwed up you are...well I know that would get really old, really fast.
Great...so what can you do?
You can buy Dr. Amador's book and read it cover to cover. Trust me. If you've been where I've been and seen what I've seen, it will help you.
Dr. Amador believes (as do I) that it isn't necessary for a person who needs help to first submit to the premise they are sick. They do not need to sit prostrate to the psychiatric definition of themselves. They can maintain their belief that it is not them, it's you...or him, or her, or a bad set of circumstances... The person with the illness can maintain these beliefs and still begin to recover. For caregivers, this premise (when used properly) can be the best news of your life, a life raft in the middle of turbulent waters. The best part is, it works!
*Key Point: He also is very clear that you must be careful not to reinforce psychotic symptoms as being real, which isn't nearly as hard as one would think. But really, before you get too gun-ho on reflective listening, read the book.*
The methods in this book are easy to understand and put into practice. The technique of reflective listening builds trust. It builds communication. It gives you some really unique insight and understanding. All in all, it is an invaluable tool which allows a supportive team to set up and help the person navigate the difficulties of life which might try to derail them.
In the case of Middle Boy, it opened the door for communication, which in turn gave me greater insight into his thoughts. This one tiny incident (because it was handled properly) morphed into further conversation which showed an increase in auditory hallucinations. That conversation led to us writing out some key talking points to take to the psychiatrist, which led to a productive doctor visit, which led to some medication tweaks (his choice), which led to reduction in symptoms and better functioning...
You get the idea.
It doesn't really matter where you come in on this book. If your loved one is in recovery, or suffering from anosognosia--you will benefit from reading this material. I learned a ton.
Consider it another tool you can add to your defense arsenal. One that actually delivers what it promises.
Amen!

This is one of the most informative and professional book I have read on understanding a loved one with bipolar disorder. If you need to read any one book, this is the one to help you understand and talk with a person that has bipolar. It has greatly helped my husband and I with our son as we have gone down this journey trying to help him for 8 years. Never give up and keep reading as much as you can.

I don't know how anyone could call this book highly readable -- perhaps if you have no need of grammar, complete sentences and narrative continuity. It is very poorly written and was likely published without benefit of a competent editor.

However, if you do read it, it is helpful and does contain some practical advice. Dr. Amador's thesis is that some number of mentally ill do not recognise that they are ill, and that this unawareness (anosognosia) is, in fact, a component of their illness and not a result of denial, obstinacy or deviousness. As such, for those who are well and trying to help, it's unrealistic and ultimately frustrating to expect the ill person to act in their own benefit (e.g., take medication, go to therapy) based on an understanding that they are ill: you may know it, but they don't, and it's a waste of everyone's time and effort trying to convince them.

The nut of Dr. Amador's advice is to first and foremost treat the mentally ill with respect and empathy; to listen to their concerns as they are expressed and to address those concerns not yours; to find common ground and forge a partnership in this way. It is very helpful in this regard.

It was helpful and useful but very repetitive and longer than the book had to be. The message could be done in 1/2 of the time. It seemed to me that the author was stretching the material to generate enough pages to crank out a book. There are so many other relative points that could've been included to keep the reader engaged.

Some things are beyond belief. I could not believe that my intelligent son thought such weird things about being 'set-up and persecuted' when he could explain the second Law of Thermodynamics to anybody who would listen.

Xavier Amador explains how the brain can function in some areas but not others.

Better still, in this book he taught me how to communicate and keep my relationship working in spite of difficulties. Xavier is a superb communicator, no 'jargon', warmly affirming.

This book should be on the shelf of every family who cares for someone who does not want to accept treatment for mental illness. It turned my life around.

This can be heuristic if read by the person with the problem. I read it because of a family member with mental problems. It would be more effective if the person with problems would read it, but that person did not want to or to admit the problem, as often is the case with mental illness, alcoholism, etc.

THE ENTIRE BOOK IS A GIANT HYPERLINK! EVERY WORD, ON EVERY PAGE, IS BLUE, AND UNDERLINED! IT IS UNREADABLE! I cannot imagine who the **** thought this was at all acceptable. Absolutely disgusting, filthy, shameful, the worst f***-up I have witnessed by the store this week. I feel like Nancy Kerrigan, just laying here on the ground, crying... "WHY!?!?!? WHY?!?!?! WHY?!?!?!"

This book was helpful in understanding schizophrenia and schizophrenia-like mental diseases, but it was not a kind book. Throughout the book it repeats "Don't worry! There's hope!" and then I got to the end and it said, essentially, "Ha, ha, I was kidding! Your loved one is as good as dead." which can hardly be considered hopeful.

In 1981, author Dr. Xavier Amador (Clinical Psychologist) learned first-hand that his natural instinct to confront denial of illness head-on lead to disaster. His brother had just come home after his first hospitalization for schizophrenia and threw out his medication. Confronting and arguing with him just made both of them angry; later his brother was arrested for breaking into a house to take a bubble-bath because he felt 'dirty.' When Xavier began doing research on the problem of denial in 1989, there were fewer than ten studies reported in the literature. Now (2012), there are about 300. He has also started a training and research institute (LEAPInstitute.org) to provide information and free resources.

Dr. Amador contends that the refusal of the mentally ill to accept treatment typically results from a brain dysfunction, not stubbornness. They're mistaking their past self for their current self. However, research indicates that the sooner someone receives medication, the better his prognosis, the less frequently he will be hospitalized, and the shorter his hospital stays will be.

How does one know whether they're dealing with a damaged brain vs. denial? 1)The lack of insight is persistent, lasting for months or even years. 2)The beliefs do not change even after the person is confronted with overwhelming evidence that they're wrong. 3)Illogical explanations that attempt to explain away the evidence of illness are common.

Educating the person about the problem he doesn't believe he has doesn't work. Confrontation and group interventions rarely work. The author recommends a Listen-Empathize-Agree-Partner (LEAP) method. Usually the first aim of LEAP is to repair the damage done by taking the 'doctor knows best approach.' The second task is to help the person find his own reasons to accept treatment. The trick is to listen without commenting, disagreeing, or arguing. Success will reduce their resistance to talking about treatment, with you gaining a clear idea of his experience of the illness and the treatment he doesn't want. You also need to know what his hopes and expectations are for the future - whether or not you believe they're realistic.

The second tool (empathize) involves learning when and how to express empathy. You must empathize with all the reasons he has for not wanting to accept treatment, even those you think 'crazy.' You especially want to empathize with any feelings connected to delusions (eg. fear, anger, even elation).

The third (agree) involves finding common ground and staking it out. Common ground always exists, even between the most extreme opposing positions. The emphasis is on acknowledging that the individual has personal choice and responsibility for the decisions he makes about his life. Refrain from saying things like, "If you had taken your medication, you wouldn't have ended up in the hospital.' Ask, 'What happened after you decided to stop taking your medication?' (Eg. Had trouble sleeping.) 'Did the voices quite down after you stopped?' 'After you stopped taking the medication, how long was it before you went to the hospital?' This will provide the motivations the individual has to accept treatment - eg. 'Sleep better,' 'Stay out of the hospital,' 'Stop people from bothering me about being ill,' etc. You will now be able to present the idea that medication might help him achieve HIS goals. Your suggestions should have nothing to do with the notion that the person has a mental illness.

Forming a partnership to achieve SHARED goals is the last and most satisfying tool. YOU may call the prize 'recovery from illness,' while he calls it 'getting a job.' The names are irrelevant.

Reflective listening is essential - if you don't listen to them, why should they listen to you? When you're facing someone who rigidly holds irrational beliefs, you gain nothing by disagreeing. Stop pushing your agenda - your only agenda should be to listen and learn. If a person you're trying to talk to is upset about having to take medicine, ask him about his FEELINGS, not about the medicine or your belief he should take it. Respect what you've heard.

The longer you are able to delay giving your opinion, the more the other person will have experienced you as respecting his. Delay answering their question regarding whether you agree with them by promising to answer, and asking permission to change the subject - I'm learning a lot about you I didn't know. Then when you do give your opinion, don't apologize for the opinion but for the fact it might be hurtful or disappointing.

As the parent of an adult son with schizophrenia [Diagnosed at the age of 31] I highly recommend this book! My son had slow onset schizophrenia and went 10 yrs untreated. He went missing from our family in late 2000 and was found in 2002 wandering the streets of the Bay area in California. He was so psychotic that the psychiatrist who diagnosed him, said he was one of the most severe cases he had ever seen! I lived in Alaska and traveled back and forth for a period of 6 months before I could convince him to come with me to Alaska for treatment. Dr. Amadors' book helped me to understand clearly what schizophrenia is, but more importantly how to approach his delusions and hallucinations without buying into them.... It took over 2 yrs to stabilize him (after finding which cocktail of drugs worked the best) and I am so proud to say he is still free of psychosis to this day (2015). Not only was this book a godsend for me during that nightmarish period of my sons life, but I still refer back to it if I forget how to approach any problem that may arise. "He will never be the same person he was before the disease struck, but is safe, happy and living a full life!

I started reading this book, on my panic flight back home when for the first time my mom showed intense hallucinations. I remember being soo stressed that I could actually feel it in my body. This book gave immense support, and at the end of the flight, I knew how to deal with my mom, and also my family.
I was able to gain her trust, start her food and medications back and also convinced her to take the anti-psychotic meds. She is still recovering, though a lot better than the first day. I dont know how I would have handled it without the book. It is layman-friendly, without using any technical jargon. And does not waste any of time telling anything that does not matter. I recommend reading the from page 1 as they tell you how to read the book and what can be skipped based on the situation.

A good read for family members or colleagues of someone that has had psychotic or schizophrenic break. Unlike depression, people that suffer with this type of mental illness rarely ask or seek help. In fact, they often refuse it and will not take prescribed drugs on a consistent basis. It is hard to understand how they can believe they are normal and they challenge us to wonder what "normal" really is sometimes. This book provides understanding and also strategies to help move a family member or colleague towards help and support.

This book is of NO help to folks whose sick loved ones will NOT agree to even see a doctor. The entire book is predicated on the idea/assumption that those who are ill have been to a doc and received a formal diagnosis. My brother is sick - dozens of folks will agree - but he will NOT go to a doctor, and no one can make him. So he remains in limbo. If only this book offered a disclaimer in the beginning so as not to drag a person through the entire book, holding out hope that the 'next chapter' will be of some use.... Surely a great text for some, but it just seems to ignore STEP NUMBER ONE: GETTING THE PATIENT DIAGNOSED BY A DOCTOR.

I love a person that suffers with schizophrenia. I belong to NAMI. I study schizophrenia, I have sat in on classes. That being said, this book changed our lives. I'm the point person in the family, plans, etc 'should' go thru me - doesn't always happen. This book has made communicating with him easier - for me. It has changed the way I view schizophrenia. It has made the relationship between he & I easier to navigate. Of all the books I've read on this subject, this book is the one that lives in my bag, always ready, always handy. The down side is that those that haven't read the book or listen to what I've learned thru Dr. Amador can cause set backs. However, this book helps with that. Anyone that knows a person suffering with schizophrenia should have this book. I have the paperback & I have it on Kindle. I've given it to others in the family. This book is a 'must have'

I first read this when my Son was hospitalized for the 5th time when he was 22. As the Mother of someone with Schizophrenia, this book is the single most effective guide on not only helping my Son, but helping myself, and advocating for him. I was able to learn why and how to let him live his own life, while encouraging him to accept services, I was able to learn to live my own life as well. This is a devastating illness. "Why dont you just make him take his medication?" is the single most asked question from friends and family. This book explains why.

As a hyper-rational person (as a result of my own psychological issues), how can you conduct a rational argument with someone who has lost their capacity for reason? This book lays out a different strategy and some specific tools that I can use. I don't know about the effectiveness. But I'm hopeful.

THIS BOOK SAVED MY SONS LIFE! A brief background: My son began to shows signs of mental illness in high school, around 17-18 years old. However, as a lay person who practiced tough love with my two older children, I had no idea what was happening. Tough love was not working for my previously calm, kind, caring, affectionate, intelligent youngest child. Although his father has never played a positive role in his life, my son still had hoards of friends and was loved by everyone. After he graduated high school and entered college I remember thinking how truly lucky I was.

Unfortunately paranoid schizophrenia and bipolar disorder take a long time to manifest fully and even longer to get a correct diagnosis. Who would have thought something like this could happen to my family? Throughout the coming nightmarish horrifying years I tried it all. After realizing he was suffering from anxiety, one of the symptoms of schizophrenia, he eventually found his way, without telling me, to a psychiatrist at a county hospital who eventually told ME I was the problem and I needed to spend more time with my son and all would be Ok again. What??? I was deeply involved in his life. As a superior athlete he played soccer, as well as basketball and baseball, year around. I was team mother, score keeper, involved in the PTA etc with all my children. You name it I was there. They were happy well-adjusted citizens. I knew all their friends and I knew all their friends parents as well.

Starting at age 21 and over the coming years he was institutionalized on multiple occasions, going on and off medications (mostly off) repeatedly. One of the nurses called it "The Revolving Door" of mental illnesses-in and out of the hospital, on and off meds, homeless, back home. I finally joined NAMI and I discovered I was not alone. Parents, in-laws, brothers, sisters, cousins; all of us in the same leaking boat. One of the recommended readings was this book. I bought and read it immediately. It completely turned my attitude around. I practiced what I learned and, lo and behold, things started to gradually change for both my son and I. This book gives you insight into why the mentally ill will not accept their diagnosis, how you can come to terms with it and still help them turn things around. Fast forward to February 1st 2013, 15 years later, and my 33 year old son is meds compliant, seeing a therapist regularly and is doing pretty good. I do insist on giving him his pills daily-something we both agree must continue. Although he is unable to work-the meds are not a cure but do help control syptoms-he again has a relationship with his family and our lives are somewhat confined but comfortable.

When I read the negative reviews of the book, basically blasting the world of psychiatry and medication in general (Scientology anyone?), I believe in my heart none of these well-meaning but ignorant people have ever been faced with a child or loved one who has a serious chemical imbalance, which is what schizophrenia is. Handling it the way this book suggests, which is using a different psychological approach, staying on medication combined with therapy, in my experience, is the only route to take. Be patient-it works! Don't delay. the longer you wait, the worse things will get. Dr Amador is highly educated and has a proven track record. Read about him on line, then read about the others who are against his beliefs. Look at their track record and make up your own mind. Dr Amador is dedicated and he is amazing. I hope someday to be able to shake his hand and thank him from the bottom of my heart for guiding me in helping my son when he was lost in a world I was unable to enter.

Helpful book—directed most intensely to the loved-ones and caretakers of people with schizophrenia who are resistant to taking medication that has been prescribed to them and for whom it has been helpful in the past, but they continue to not take it—in secret (it shows up in the trash, or they fill the pill capsules with flour and put them back in the bottle) or vociferously ("I am not sick and I don't need to take pills!!!")

He helps the reader to look at this issue from the patient's point of view and introduces a step-by-step method of building up trust and respect with the person. He states clearly that IF YOU FOLLOW these ideas, and treat the person this way, the person will become able to look at the situation he is in and will often (USUALLY, I think is his thought) decide to follow the treatment recommendations and take the medication. Good news! (it may take a couple of years, so don't be in a hurry!)

In the back of the book, one can see that he has written other books and cites his many sources of research.

This book was sent to me as a gift with a "This IS REALLY GOING TO HELP YOU!!" vibe. And yes, it was helpful, but unfortunately because of the fact that the person in my life didn't fit this model, it wasn't as helpful as hoped. This person #1 had/has never been diagnosed and #2/ has never been prescribed medication for delusions and hallucinations even though had/had experienced them on a daily basis and went through a series of personal disasters because of them.

Since Amador's method consists of using low-key methods just to get the person to see that #1/ when they take their meds, their life goes much better, and #2/ "we agree on the goals you have," and so #3/ in our conversations, we keep focussing on THEIR goals and on me understanding you and what's going on with you. The only behavioral goal of the method is to get the person to take their meds. The meds do the rest of the work. (of course, it's nice to have a good relationship with your loved-one, as well!)

In my case, #1, the person would not talk to me in any conversation that included symptoms (delusions/hallucinations, even if not described as such) and #2, there were no meds prescribed. So the method wasn't applicable. (Respect and understanding are always recommended, of course, and would always be applicable, but somehow, this would get derailed.)

My last point: COMPLAINT!! There is no index in the book. This always drives me crazy in any book except fiction books. I don't care how good the author or publisher thinks the table of contents is—without an index, there are always countless issues, definitions, etc that I want to explore right then and there!! and when I can't, I feel very frustrated!!

I'll give it 5 stars, because I want people to read it!! It IS that good! I see that the words say "I love it." Well,… I do!!

This is a very useful book--intelligent, well-thought out, and clearly stated. The author puts together methods of persuasion that, done well, work effectively to defuse fraught psychological situations. There are gifted therapists who may already have evolved their technique to incorporate many or all of the suggestions given here, but having it all spelled out and put into the form of an acronym can only be to the good.

If I say that I think anyone stuck in this situation should buy the book, and that anyone who wants to improve their counseling skills in more mundane situations (say teachers, or parents) should at least read it (pssst--check your public library ), can I criticize it stylistically?

The book wants, as popular medical nonfiction does, to humanize and add warmth and interest to the story using vignettes of afflicted patients and their families. In this case, the author even has his own brother to ground the story. But those human interest parts of the book seem a bit patched together and over edited--and basically not all that engrossing. I could never even figure out where his brother and he were living in relationship to each other.

That doesn't hurt the utility of the book. My list of other annoyances that don't matter too much include the space eaten up by including, in large print and surrounded by a frame of swirligigs, a sentence plucked from that page. And then, here and there, are blank half pages where you can write down your attempts to use his method. [Note: do not do this if yours is a library book. Also: do not do this if you can put your hands on paper not bound in the book, in case your ideas might get better with practice.]

One of the most frustrating aspects of dealing with someone with schizophrenia is their lack of insight into their disease. This makes it difficult for family and doctors to convince them of the need for treatment and medication. In one case that I was involved with, the individual vehemently denied that he had schizophrenia but did take his medications. When he was well on his road to recovery, I asked why he did even though he denied that he was sick. "Because they made me feel better", he said. He was one of the lucky ones who did comply and did come to have insight.

The term anosognosia is typically used in neurology (not psychiatry) to describe unawareness or denial of a neurological deficit, such as hemiplegia (Dorland's Medical Dictionary). It is not normally associated with serious mental illness but Dr. Amador uses this term in his book and therefore helps to emphasize that these diseases are indeed physiological in origin. The legacy, unfortunately, of bad parenting and other sociological rather than physiological causes of these diseases lingers.

Chapter three presents a discussion of why medications are essential which is quite valuable. That naturally leads into the need in some cases (later in the book) for the necessity of what he calls "assisted treatment". When a sick individual lacks insight and refuses to accept treatment, it is sometimes necessary to arrange for patient commitment. In my opinion, it is more compassionate to use these strategies (with safeguards) to help someone get better. The alternatives can be homelessness, incarceration or worse.

Marvin Ross
Author of Schizophrenia: Medicine's Mystery - Society's Shame

Dr. Amador has written a valuable resource for the families of the serious mentally ill. (to be honest, it is of some help to the actually mentally ill, or at least those of us who have a grasp on our illness) He speaks from both a clinical experience, from working with the mentally ill for years, as well as from personal experience, his brother is a schizophrenic. The book is loaded with valuable information, and written in such a way that any layman can understand what he is saying. I'm glad to see that someone has tackled this subject, and in such a way that we all can benefit and understand what he is saying. This book can really help many members of the mentally ill community. I only hope that more professionals learn about it and can recommend it to the family members of their patients.

--a reader with bipolar disorder

Very helpful and insightful. Sure needs a new copy-editor. The book is full of typos, but easy to look past those because the content is great. Provides practical, concrete counsel on how to relate to a loved one who needs mental health help but doesn't recognize it. Important to know it's not just that they are being stubborn or are in denial, but are actually incapable of seeing their need. We have changed our approach with our adult son and see evidence that we are building the trust needed before the next steps.

The title says it all. As an advocate for people with mental illness, daily I get calls from family members asking, "Why won't my loved one accept--seek--help." Amador's book answers that question: Because the person is suffering from a brain disorder, they think, "I'm not sick; I don't need help."
Mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are brain disorders. As such, they may impact the person's ability to make viable judgement about treatment and, in many cases, even preclude the victim of the illness from recognizing they have a treatable medical condition. And, if you do not think you are ill, why would anyone accept treatment?
Amador's book explains in layman's terms the aspects of mental illness known as "lack of insight". At one time, lack of insight was considered to be the results of stigma, and indeed there is stigma surrounding mental illness. Today, science recognizes in some people lack of insight is the result of brain dysfunction itself. Simply put, the brain can recognize when the leg is broken, but the leg cannot take over for the computer of the body and recognize when the brain is not functioning correctly.
Amador does not stop with the explainations. Instead, he gives easy to follow advice on how to help someone you love with amental illness who does not recognize his/her own need for treatment. This book is a bible and a tutorial for people trying to help their very ill relative.

This is the first book I've seen and read that offers advice on how to communicate with a person who is mentally ill but does not believe that they are mentally ill. I have two relatives who suffer from mental illness. They are not aware of how their illness affects their thinking. They believe that they are pretty much okay and that it is everyone else that is untrustworthy and out of sync.

Currently I am estranged from these relatives. I had given up on the idea of communicating with either of them. However, I would like to reconcile with one of them. Before that happens, I hope to reread this book a few times so that the advice given on its pages will embed itself in my mind and I will be able to talk with her and feel as though we are able to communicate. This is the only book I've seen on the subject. I wish I had had a book like this years ago when I might have been able to use it and cope better when attempting to have a relationship with a person who is mentally ill.

The author gives some insight on what it might be like to see the world from the perspective of a person who is under the influence of mental illness. And why the illness makes it difficult for the person to trust the opinions, advice, and viewpoints of others.

a very important book that teaches how to communicate with those mentally ill people who are unaware of the severity of their brain disease. It has helped me understand how to communicate with my delusional adult child. I have given copies to providers - I am appalled by the lack of training regarding anosognosia of many "experts" in the field.

Learning ways to deal with a family member who we believe is ill, and doesn't know it and is resistant to getting help. The LEAP approached showed that we had been handling the situation completely wrong, So thankful for this guidance to what we hope is the first step to getting treatment.

When my son was given a 14-day hold at a psychiatric hospital, I looked for books that would help our family be helpful to him when he was discharged. There are many excellent books on mental illness, but I have found none as helpful as this one for family members who need practical tools for talking with and caring for a delusional person. As a bonus, the writing style is very engaging. However, the edition I have appears to have been rather poorly copy-edited. This is rarely any bigger problem than a mild annoyance; for example, if an article is omitted or repeated, it is easy to guess what was actually intended, and your eye just glides over the mistake. But some of the copy-editing errors are more substantial. On page 90, the text reads: " 'I am so afraid that they're going to come and hurt me,' describe insomnia and paranoia stemming from a delusion. However, the words insomnia and delusion never need to be part of your discussions." I am guessing that the second appearance of "insomnia" in that excerpt should be "paranoia". (Certainly my son has never objected to talking about insomnia...paranoia is another matter.)

To sum up: Great book, needs a new edition with a better copy-editor.

The LEAP acronym that Dr. Amador uses should be a part of everyone's vocabulary - Listening, Empathizing, Agreement and Partnering. This is not only an eye-opener for anyone that lives with or cares about someone with schizophrenia but also any illness where the individual is oppositional or refuses medication. Xavier Amador relates his experience with his brother, the mistakes he made and how you can avoid the painful experience of trying to convince someone whose brain is not fully functioning and at times highly irrational and oppositional to accept treatment and take their medications. Thank you for writing this important book!

Excellent perspective and his approach is genius. Far beyond even what was touted as the best. Perhaps it was as the adage goes..."who feels it, knows it".
Anosognosia is a bear to deal with. Xavier Amador gives you the perspective and tactics to battle it from another angle. It really boils down to his passion to help his brother allowed him to educate himself where he could be in a platform to help others.
This is a must read...like I said in my title...I wish I read this book earlier.

I read the whole book in one evening. It offers a clear, concise way to communicate and try to help a loved one with this frustrating disorder. Of course, everything we've tried so far is just the opposite of what we should be doing, except calling an urgent mental-health care facility, which we've done and are expecting them to come to the house within the next three days. We know our loved one will be upset over this action, but feel it's a necessary first step to seeking treatment. With the author's LEAP guidelines, it will be interesting to see our loved one's reaction to this new way of communicating. He is a highly intelligent individual that relishes conversation, as long as it is about him and his delusions. I think we can now talk to him without bringing up his delusions and focusing instead on how we should deal with the overall situation at hand. As long as he can see that we're doing all of this because we care about him and love him, I think it will go a long ways toward his agreeing to seek treatment. This book offers a simple, no-nonsense step-by-step guide towards that end.

I'm looking forward to reading this book. However, I ordered the kindle version and in the cloud reader the font in the entire book was blue and underlined, like a hyperlink. When I called the store customer service, they were understanding and easy to work with. I decided to return the ebook and work on buying a hardcopy.

Dr. Amador provides a window into the world of those living with a serious mental illness — helping family members and friends better understand their loved one and forge the kind of trusting relationship that can lead them to accept treatment and embark on a journey of recovery.

Anyone with a loved one with schizophrenia has heard the

refrain that is the title to this book. Xavier Amador

explains why this happens to those who suffer from schizophrenia,

and what steps can be taken to care for actively psychotic loved ones who often put themselves in harm's way because of their illness, not out of choice. Amador's perspective, both as a

mental health professional and the brother of someone who suffers

from schizophrenia, lends the book great credibility and gravitas.

This is a great book for those who find themselves dealing with someone in denial of an illness. It really can be any illness, not just mental illness. Some of the information is specific to mental illness but the communication skills are universal. It is an essential read for those who are in danger of crossing the line from loving caregiver to frustrated caretaker. There is a big difference and this book helps you to recognize that while providing the tools to support your difficult task. I highly recommend it.

This is a pretty good book that addresses the common and important phenomenon of whether someone who has mental illness is aware that they have a problem. I'd say this problem is most prevalent in people with bipolar disorder. In addition to discussing this issue, the book provides a lot of information on mental illness in general. The quality of writing is pretty high and the book is organized quite well. An interesting and informative read. Avery Z. Conner, author of "Fevers of the Mind".

This author knows more than probably anyone else alive about Schizophrenis, having lived with a brother who suffered from the disease. He shows not only book knowledge, but real life experience and intuition with his writing... Thank God for Xavier Amador!

Allow me to preface this by making it known that I have met Dr. Amador and had the honor of writing a blurb about his book, which is in it. So I am, admittedly, somewhat partisan.
In light of that, I will let my actions speak for me rather than make any attempt at flowing prose. I am an advocate for people with severe mental illness and their families. Many times each week I field a call from someone with a loved one overcome by mental illness but who refuses treatment because the symptoms of the sickness.
Without exception, I recommend Dr. Amador's book to anyone I talk to who has a loved one in this confounding state.
More particularly, this is the first book that should be read by someone unfamiliar with mental illness, but who has a family member going through that painful (for everyone) first "break."
More generally, this book should be read by anyone who lives with or loves a person who is not fully recovered from the symptoms of mental illness.
For family members, this is the most valuable book to be published in this field in many years. It has important information for consumers (like me) as well.

This was my first book on these illnesses. I needed it. A lot of redundancy, but needed to let you know that these techniques are so important. More fore action than dealing with the emotions. Read my other reviews for another book to help. This author has other books too.

I felt Dr. Amador did an excellent job of using words so that a lay person or a professional in the field could benefit from reading the book. Now if only the people in law enforcement would be required to learn information like this as well. We are overwhelmed by a 40 yr. old daughter that became mentally ill like "over night" and refuses to believe she is ill and refuses medication. Unfortunately the law doesn't understand her and she went from being a person who had a wonderful job and was in love with what she was doing to losing her job, place to live and ending up in jail for "Criminal Trespassing" within 6 months after becoming ill. She now has been in jail for 2 1/2 months while they are waiting for a Dr. to do a mental evaluation on her. She is in OCCC in Oahu, Hawaii. This book has helped me to understand her and hopefully I will be able to communicate with her and move her towards getting help down the road.

This book gave me a better way of caring for my daughter who has been diagnosed with Schizophrenia. If compliance with taking medication is a problem this book will give you a new way of helping. Dr. Amador's believes that people with Schizophrenia are in need of someone to listen to them with respect and that trust will be established and lead to compliance with medication.

When I started reading this book I instantly had the feeling there was someone who knew exactly what was going on with my loved one and what questions I had about it. Being German I had not been able to find anything adequate on the German bookmarket. This book does not only explain what someone with schizophrenia is going through but also gives hope and confidence for family members and other persons concerned. Dr. Amador's method of "LEAP" has become a very helpful and precious instrument for me and those I passed the book. "THE BOOK" we call it and for me it truly has been some kind of a live-saver. Thank you, Dr. Amador!

Dr. Amador's book is a must for any family who is experiencing their first encounter with schizophrenia. Dealing with a son who definitely suffers from anosognosia and has also been deemed NCRMD (not criminally responsible due to a mental illness) twice it has been a god send. I have recommended it to numerous families. By it's nature the illness is complicated enough, to be able to understand even a small part of it in the beginning gives these families an advantage they would not otherwise have had. It is written in layman's language so that anyone can understand it. I believe that every mental health professional should have access to Dr. Amador's book. I have donated several copies to our local Schizophrenia Society Chapter so that those who cannot afford it can still benifit from it. It is also about time it is easily available in Canada.

This is not just another story about mental illness. This book provides guidelines for helping your relative enjoy a greater quality of life which will result in improvements in your own quality of life. As the president of our local NAMI organization, my first recommendation to family members is to read this book.

HAVING TO GO THRU MY MOTHERS SCHIZOPHRENIA AS A YOUNG CHILD AND NOT UNDERSTANDING WHAT WAS HAPPENING TO ME AND MY BROTHER AND SISTERS, FEELING ALL THE HURT AND EXPERIENCING HOW THIS ILLNESS OVERTAKES THE WHOLE FAMILY. A SECOND TIME TO GO THRU IT ALL OVER AGAIN WITH MY FATHER IT IS ALMOST UNBEARABLE, BUT SOMETHING HAS CHANGED, I'M AN ADULT NOW AND I LOOK FOR HELP AND WAYS TO HELP HIM, THINGS WE COULDN'T DO WITH MY MOTHER. I FOUND THIS BOOK ON THE INTERNET AND BOUGHT IT. I READ IT IN FOUR DAYS AND ALREADY PUT IT TO USE. THIS BOOK IS MY PRIZE POCESSION RIGHT NOW. EVERYTHING IN THIS BOOK REMINDS ME THE EXPERIENCES I HAD WITH MY MOTHER AND DIDN'T HAVE A BOOK LIKE THIS TO HELP HER. MY MOTHER IS FAR GONE BUT MY FATHER IS JUST STARTING WITH THE ILLNESS. I HAVE PUT TO USE SOME OF THE THINGS DR. AMADOR AND HIS RESEARCHERS STATED IN THE BOOK AND IT IS WORKING. GOD BLESS DR. AMADOR FOR THIS BOOK AND THANK YOU FOR WRITTING IT IN SPANISH ALSO. I WILL MAKE SURE I RECOMMEND IT TO ANYONE GOING THRU THE SAME THINGS WE ARE GOING THRU. A MUST HAVE BOOK FOR DEPRESSION AND ANY MENTAL ILLNESS.

This book is highly informative and attempts to answer the constant question "Why do they not take their medication? "
Why is it so hard to comply?" Dr Amador explains the reason is lack of insight ; but more importantly he discusses the high corelation between the brain's dysfunction of the frontal lobe and lack of insight. The good part is that an individual can be trained similiar to a person with a closed head injury to re route their thinking processes and as a result gain insight.The best part is this book can be utilized by therapists and family . It removes a lot of frustration from the caregivers of the family and gives hope to a very frustrating problem

I found this book very helpful and expect that anyone with a friend or family member suffering from scizophrenia will as well. The author and editor both have real life experience dealing with scizophrenia -- both clinical and family member experience.

It debunks some popular wisdom regarding what to do and what not to do and provides thoughtful advice on how to establish a trusting relationship with your loved one. Building a level of trust and establishing shared goals provides a foundation for helping your friend or loved one seek treatment and to continue with it.

As a parent of a 26 year old son with bi-polar disorder I was very intrigued by the title (as this would be exactly what my son says) and so bought the book not knowing what to expect. I have read it at least twice now and definitely recommend this to any parent or professional dealing with someone suffering from a mental illness who insists that they "are not sick". A very eye-opening read!

After 8 years and many consultations in several countries and myriad of books and literature, this book is by far THE BEST book for a family or someone who has a loved one suffering from schizophrenia. Xavier Amador has done a brilliant job in putting things in simple English as a family guide on how to support and what to expect.

I am the vice president of the local NAMI (National Alliance of the Mentally Ill) chapter and am only half way thru reading this book but am recommending it to everyone who who has a loved one with a mental illness. Xavier has been there and done that as evidenced by his methods that are working! My relationship with my 23 year old paranoid scizophrenic son has already greatly improved. I am now working with him instead of against him. I know that sounds strange, but it is true. I was doing more harm than good until I read this.

As a Community Worker, I liked Dr. Amador's book because it explained in simplistic language how a family can work with their family member who is struggling with a mental illness. It is a reasonably priced, and a quick read. I have used some of the techniques myself and found the information useful.

This book has given us more hope and easily understood direction on how to deal with the agonizing illness of schizophrenia in a loved one. Not a quick fix and not necessarily easy but it just makes sense.

Be sure to read all the reviews posted here. Take all the 5 star reviews, add them together, and you will begin to have a feel for what I thought of this book. I learned a lot of things I needed to know but hadn't (leaving me to wonder why aren't all mental health professionals knowledgable about the new research and trained in the type of therapies written about in this book?), and the advice Dr. Amador gives worked. Thank you!

Dr Amador exposes what the Mentally Ill go through so thoroughly, it's just too bad and shameful that most Doctors don't follow through on his approach.
I would highly recommend this book to all psychologists psychiatrists and family members of the Mentally Ill. What a difference it would be to our Mental Health System. I do wish he could make a DVD on this subject.

this book will get you 'started' on a journey. the journey will take time (sorry no quick fixes for mental illness). find a support group to help with your journey: I suggest NAMI. If u can't find NAMI then a counselor (pyscologist to help u start the procsss of understanding your loved one's illness)

Lot of great advice to help family member who does not want to take their medication. The book gave lots of insights and ways to help. Easy reading and practical tips. I would recommend it to anyone who is having problems with a loved one who will not stay on their medication.

Not all people will know how to use the humanistic approach when helping ill family members; this book introduces it as a more effective way of handling a situation. Amador's book is written in a way that is comprehensive to any person going through such an event. The author's personal experience with his brother and as a therapist create an empathetic tone that makes the book relatable.

We found this book to be informative and helpful.Even though we do not know someone with schizophrena or other mental illness we feel that if we did we would turn to this book first for help. Xavier Amador's insight helps real-life families reconnect and get their loved one the proper medical care that they need.We found the personal stories to be touching and they really helped us to relate to people in this real-life situation. We predictly enjoyed the step-by-step plan and the space for writing in the back of the book. It allows the reader to apply Dr. Amador's principles to their own lives.

This book made me not want to give up on our loved one with schizophrenia. He may never believe that he is ill but he may agree to accept treatment anyway. This book has helped show us a possibility and give us hope.

I havenot read this book yet, although it was recommended to my by the head of an advocacy agency for people with chronic mental illness, which is a strong plus. It's not a very long book, but from the list of contents, it looks to deal with issues other publications have not dealt with such as the truth behind denial of illness and resistance to taking drugs which might otherwise stabilize psychotic symptoms.
The delivery of this book went smoothly and it arrived in good shape.

Well, I don't know about anyone else, but I am writing this as MY TESTIOMNY to EVERYONE. "MY" mental disorder was HEALED and MISDIAGNOSED after about 10 years of ongoing "medicine", doctors and hospitals etc.... I went through it all!!! Everyone swore at first I had "schizophrenia" then it was later "schizo-effective", then "bi-polar", then, "anxiety" which was all pretty my caused by lots of things that happened to me throughout life "stress" etc.... Everyone has their own story. *I* however fought and WON the BATTLE of my life because I refused to believe I had any of the above. I KNEW all along that was not the case. I kept getting medicine switched for years, saw various doctors, went to the hospital about 7 times in ten years. MY TESTIMONY is THIS, I fought the battle of my life, but all along I BELIEVED in GOD which nobody else DID. Got preachers to anoint me and heal me and then finally another preacher healed me and anointed me in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and savior which not many people believe now a days. Well, He HEALED me and I am forever grateful, and I say this to everyone who is reading, Jesus is REAL indeed, and he finally heard my prayer(s), got me the "right" help I needed which was christian based doctors etc... And here I am 10 years later after being re-diagnosed and HEALED!!! Thanks to GOD!!! So I say this to everyone, I got lots of books on these types of things, but a nice prayer book(s) which some do claim (and it can be done) schizophrenia and bi-polar and the likes CAN be healed if you believe in GOD and PRAY to be healed in the name of Jesus!!!!!!! Certain prayers and even the bible itself states that Jesus once healed (and still can) these things. You can claim a peace of your mind back through God!!!!

This book is yet another screed about how people with psychiatric diagnoses lack insight, are too pitiful to help themselves, etc. This book ignores all the research about the dangerous and painful "side effects" of many psychiatric drugs. It doesn't strike me as "insane" to refuse to take powerful mind altering drugs that leave your body twisted like a pretzel. And the book ignores the role of childhood sexual abuse in the backgrounds of the majority of people labeled "schizophrenic" , and tries to have us believe that "schizophrenia" is a "biological brain disease" of which there is not one iota of scientific evidence! People should avoid this book like the plague, and read Robert Whitaker's "Mad in America: Bad Medicine, Bad Science, and the Continuing Mistreatment of the Mentally Ill" instead!

Individuals identified as enemies by state security services are often maliciously diagnosed with non-existent mental illnesses so that they can be deprived of their liberties, bypassing the due process protections afforded to those who are charged criminally. The mere act of complaining about political persecution, or certain specific symptoms associated with covertly-implanted neurotechnology, has been preemptively defined as diagnostic criteria for mental illness by complicit psychiatrists acting on behalf of the state. Psychiatric diagnoses are codified based on a voting process and not any form of scientific data.

Any book whose title itself indicates that it is intended to be used as a guide for convincing people diagnosed with "mental illness" to comply with their prescribed "treatment," and yet fails to acknowledge the potentially life-threatening risks associated with taking unnecessary psychiatric drugs by those who may have been falsely diagnosed, is AT BEST extremely negligent.

The professions of medicine and psychiatry, together with the pharmaceutical drugs industry, are today complicit in egregious human rights violations on a mass scale.

For further information about the ongoing political abuse of psychiatry, please watch the videos of the public comment sessions of the Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues on March 1, 2011 and May 18-19, 2011, both of which are available on YouTube. Also review the free documentary videos available online at the website of the Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR). Do your own homework and research subjects such as "mind-invasive technology," "synthetic telepathy," "targeted individuals" and "gang stalking." These are all aspects of state-sponsored domestic terrorism and abuse of the medical and psychiatric professions to neutralize political enemies.

IT IS HAPPENING RIGHT NOW IN THE USA AND OTHER WESTERN COUNTRIES.

For more informative reading, check out Hidden Evil by Mark Rich.