The second edition of this classic text has been fully updated to reflect the changing context of practice and the considerable shifts in the field of mental health policy. It explores how current major issues, such as the social exclusion experienced by those suffering from mental illness, civil liberties and human rights concerns and apprehensions around public protection can impinge on practice, together with emerging developments such as the growth of the user movement. With its focus on sound practice, this edition continues to provide highly relevant, experience-based guidelines for practice for social workers and others working with sufferers from the psychoses (principally affective disorders, schizophrenia and dementia). Using practice axioms, the book examines direct work with sufferers, work for sufferers within the clinical team and the social environment, with a particular reference to work with the families affected. In addition this clearly written text discusses definitions of mental health and illnesses and explores attitudes to psychiatry and psychiatric services. Well-structured and engagingly written, this important text provides clear guidance for practice in a complex and demanding field.