Schizophrenia: A Contemporary Introduction By Gillian Steggles. Routledge. 2024. £19.99 (pb). 146 pp. ISBN: 978-1032560380

stress and burnout these individuals face, especially during prolonged crises like pandemics.The book calls for systemic changes to provide better support systems for these professionals, which is a critical aspect often underemphasised in discussions on emergency management.While it provides an extensive overview of various mental health challenges, there are a few features that may limit its accessibility to a wider audience.The language and depth of analysis are geared more towards professionals in the fields of disaster management, healthcare and mental health, rather than the general reader or policymakers without a specialised background.Additionally, some of the recommendations, while theoretically sound, would lend themselves well to more concrete implementation strategies or examples of successful models.The heavy focus on Western contexts might limit the book's relevance in global discussions about mental health during emergencies.Although some chapters touch upon international crises, there is at times a noticeable lack of information regarding how cultural differences impact the psychosocial response to disasters, a topic increasingly recognised as critical in global health literature.In summary, the book is a valuable contribution to the growing body of work on disaster preparedness and mental health.It serves as a robust resource for professionals in emergency planning and mental health fields, offering both theoretical insights and pragmatic practical guidelines supported by a wide evidence base.