Introduction
1. The Epidemic of Mental Illness
2. The Failure of Deinstitutionalization
3. The Effects of Mental Illness on Family Members
4. The Prevention of Mental Illness
5. John Nash: Acute Identity Confusion
6. John Nash: The Goal of Mental Equilibrium
Epilogue
Donald Capps, professor of pastoral psychology at Princeton Theological Seminary from 1981 to 2009, teaches courses on mental illness, developmental theory, and older adults. He has served as editor of the Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion and president of the Society for the Scientific Study of Religion. His books include Men, Religion, and Melancholia, Social Phobia: Alleviating Anxiety in an Age of Self-promotion, Fragile Connections: Memoirs of Mental Illness for Pastoral Care Professionals, A Time to Laugh: The Religion of Humor, Young Clergy: a Biographical-Developmental Study, Jesus the Village Psychiatrist, and The Decades of Life: A Guide to Human Development.
Psychosis: madness, insanity, violence, danger, 'utterly out of
control, maniacal, and subhuman.' Of all the categories of mental
disorders, public (and all too often professional) understanding of
psychosis often places it first in stigmatization and last in
actual understanding. Capps has written many books that examine
pastoral and theological implications for counseling and mental
stability. With this new book, the focus is more on the
generalizations––both correct and incorrect––that are applied to
this severe mental illness, and how practitioners and caregivers
might better understand treatment options. Capps comes at psychosis
from multiple, well considered angles, including placing delusional
thought patterns in the context of a client’s overall life story;
the effects of psychosis on family members and the community (and,
to a lesser degree, the transition from institutional care to
community-based services); proactive and reactive treatment
modalities; and seeking a common definition for the idea of 'mental
stability.' Capps’ inquiry is neither oversimplified, nor is it
bogged down by providing elaboration where none is indicated. The
introduction alone recommends this book as a fine primer in
psychosis.
*Booklist*
Once again, Dr. Capps provides the reader with a unique slant on
the intersection between contemporary life and the psychoanalytic
tradition, broadly understood. Here his dialog partners include
mental illness research and John Nash's game theory in conversation
with recent schizophrenic brain studies and Erik Erikson's work on
"acute identity confusion." Capps' conclusions have the capacity to
provoke 'empathetic curiosity' in anyone willing to enter into the
mysterious and potentially revelatory realm of psychosis, a world
in which we all live to one degree or another.
*Carol J. Cook, Louisville Seminary*
Understanding Psychosis is at once a compassionate and alarming
book. Donald Capps calls us to respond to an epidemic of severely
mentally ill individuals on our streets, in our prisons, in our
communities and in our families. Drugs alone, he demonstrates, will
not cure this suffering, which touches all of us. Capps' powerful
book is a clarion call for human solidarity along with badly needed
health care resources and services.
*Thomas R. Cole, McGovern Center for Humanities and Ethics,
University of Texas School of Medicine*
Don Capps achieves his primary aim of drawing in curious readers to
understand the complexities and challenges of living with
schizophrenia. His profound insight into the perplexing reality of
mental illness combines with his erudition on this important
subject. Drawing on extensive research and using compelling case
studies, Capps opens us up to the anguishing reality of living with
mental illness. Capp's compassionate and helpful style leaves the
reader feeling hopeful, empowered, and informed on such a crucial
topic. This is an important book which will be a great help for all
who care about persons inflicted with 'the invisible epidemic of
mental illness'.
*Phil C. Zylla, McMaster Divinity College, Hamilton, Ontario*
Donald Capps sheds new light on a contemporary issue affecting all
members of our society. Mental illness touches each one of us in
some way-as victims, family members, friends, practitioners, or
partners in faith. We find ourselves in a crisis as a nation,
resulting from a decreased investment in the plight of the mentally
ill. Pertinent topics are addressed regarding the ability of
families to cope with mental illness and the possible prevention or
remission of serious psychosis. Don is a master at incorporating
personal narratives and biographies to illustrate these complex
concepts. I strongly recommend this work to anyone who struggles
with questions related to the psychotic mind.
*Grafton T. Eliason, Pennsylvania Counseling Association,
California University of Pennsylvania*
In his characteristically graceful and erudite fashion, Capps has
written this book on an extremely complex topic in such an
insightful and clear way that it will appeal to a wide audience:
sufferers, family, friends, and scholars in any area grappling with
the historical meanings of psychosis and the care of the mentally
ill.
*Religious Studies Review*
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