Severe mental illness afflicts many men and women throughout their lives, often without warning, and almost always with devastating results. This book takes a look at psychosis, and contends that although the delusions and hallucinations of the psychotic person are misguided and confused, they are understandable when viewed in the context of a person's life. Using real life examples, Capps covers the prevalence of psychotic illness; the long-range effects of deinstitutionalization on mentally ill persons, their families, and their communities; family members' responses to their mentally ill relative.

The epidemic of psychotic illness -- The deinstitutionalization era : its personal and social impact -- How family members cope with serious mental illness -- Rehabilitation strategies for the seriously mentally ill -- Prevention strategies for persons at-risk -- The emergence of psychotic illness : the role of acute identity confusion -- The symptoms of psychotic illness : delusions and hallucinations -- The symptoms of psychotic illness: the assumed identity -- Achieving equilibrium : personal strengths and social supports.