The more you learn about mental illness, the better prepared you are to deal with your spouse's symptoms and the less likely you are to complicate the situation. Here are some excellent sources of information on all types of mental illness. This list provides a starting place for learning about mental illnesses.

Expert Consensus Guideline Series (EKS)

Contains excellent, easy to read patient/family handouts on manic-depression, schizophrenia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. This site is a very good starting place if you are just learning about these illnesses.

 

Internet Mental Health

Contains a wealth of information on 50 of the most common mental disorders, including bipolar(manic-depression), schizophrenia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. You will find information on treatment, research, medications, and a program to aid in diagnosis (for informational purposes).

 

Mental Health Net

You will find news and information on a host of mental illnesses and disorders including symptoms, treatment, resources, organizations, and on-line support.

National Depressive and Manic Depressive Association (NDMDA)

Helpful information from education to advocacy to support and much more. You will also find listings for local chapters of this organization. This is a very good local resource for family support groups and information. Local newsletters from these groups can be very helpful.

 

Pendulum Resources

A great resource on bipolar disorder containing diagnostic criteria and FAQ's, treatment, articles, support for loved ones, and much more.

 

Depression and Related Affective Disorders Association (DRADA)

Information on depressive illness and manic-depressive illness.

Dual Diagnosis Website

This site is designed to provide information and resources for service providers, consumers, and family members who are seeking assistance and/or education in dual diagnosis.

 

Dual Diagnosis

This site contains information on mental illness and substance abuse including articles, a newsletter, and links to other resources.

The Schizophrenia Home Page

An information and resource center providing a comprehensive page of information for families and friends of people suffering from schizophrenia. It includes information on symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and more.

 

World Schizophrenia Fellowship

"What is Schizophrenia?" pamphlet. A well done pamphlet about the causes, symptoms, treatments, rehabilitation, and common myths of schizophrenia.

Obsessive Compulsive Foundation

Contains a concise description of obsessive compulsive disorder, including its symptoms and causes.

 

The Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Resource Center

This site contains a description, causes, and symptoms of obsessive disorder. It also provides a list of other resources for information on OCD.

 

OC & Spectrum Disorders Association

Along with general information on OCD, this site contains a detailed FAQ page with answers to common questions concerning OCD.