Reviews (2)

Cut through the Theory and Go to the Heart of What Works
Julie Fast's unique perspective on bi-polar disorder comes from personal experience. In dealing with her own bi-polar disorder, she has personally had to do the challenging work to carve her own path through so she could live a productive life. Reading this book is a short-cut.It cuts through all the theory and goes to the heart of what actually works.If you need real assistance in dealing with the disorder yourself or if you need to know how to deal with a loved one who has bi-polar disorder, this book sends you life line. It lays out a step by step, practical approach that you can use as a handbook to guide you as you carve your own path through your individual challenge with bi-polar disorder.

A plan for surviving and THRIVING
I was one of the lucky people who read an advance copy...and I was determined to be the first person to reveiw this amazing, life saving book on Amazon.Readers of Fast's and Preston's other book on Bipolar disorder (loving someone with bipolar) will be thrilled to finally get a detailed, step-by-step, super-in-depth plan that gently guides them to health.And for family members, this book will save relationships and marriages.The two things about this book that set it apart from anything else on the market that deals with bipolar disorder are 1)BIPOLAR CONVERSATIONS -- example: how do you talk to your teenage daughter/ mother/ spouse when they she's ready to kill herself, or manic, or sexually out of control?Fast and Preston, through their vast experiences and decades of dealing with this illness, show us what conversations work, and also HOW NOTto deal with those we love... and 2) sidebar stories from both bipolar patients and family members who have survived the devastating effects of this illness.They tell you what worked for them, where they were in their lives when they made the choice to take charge and get well.Especially powerful was the story written by Fast's brother.Actually, I found myself skipping ahead through the book and reading all the stories of the people who have this illness -- as well as the family member stories.Of course, I went back and read the whole book cover to cover.BUY THIS BOOK. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Diet / Health / Fitness    3. Diseases - General    4. Diseases - Nervous System (incl. Brain)    5. General    6. Health & Fitness    7. Health/Fitness    8. Manic depressive persons    9. Manic-depressive illness    10. Mental Disorders    11. Popular works    12. Rehabilitation    13. Coping with illness    14. Health & Fitness / General    15. Psychiatry   

Reviews (4)

A Non-Drug Approach Based on Treating Symptoms With Sound Nutrition
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Too bad it's too late!
I have started to read this book.Too bad that my sister's old boyfriend did not have this book.He hung himself in 2003 after apparently suffering from this disorder which did not really hit him till his 30's!My sister said that when she was dating him he did not even drink much less take drugs.
The Natural Medicine Guide to Bipolar Disorder (The Healthy Mind Guides)
I have suffered for 13 years with Bipolar Disorder, and this book was very thorough and educational about the nutritional components of the disorder, as well as alternative therapy treatments.I would highly recommend this book to anyone suffering from bipolar disorder. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Medicine    2. Alternative treatment    3. Bipolar Disorder    4. Depression    5. Manic-depressive illness    6. Medical    7. Mood Disorders    8. Naturopathy    9. Popular Works    10. Psychology    11. Psychotherapy - General    12. therapy    13. Complementary Medicine    14. Psychiatry   

Reviews (11)

Supports a use for medications by Christians
The book jacket offers "practical advice" on dealing with emotional and behavioral problems. I didn't find a lot of practical advice, but a lot of indepth case histories.While most books tend to deal with the psychological solutions to depression and behavioral issues, this book did show a Christian basis for needed pharmacological soltions, which is generally not addressed. However, most of the book was stories of someone tormented who turned to the Meier Clinics for help and were cured (not overnight granted, but always cured nonetheless). So it was much more of an ad for the Meier clinics than anything else.
Thought provoking
There is so much controversy amongst Believers about medication for chemical imbalances.The author writes from personal experience giving insight to those suffering in this way. Replaces judgement with understanding, compassion, help and hope. Well worth reading.
Wonderful insight from the medical and spiritual perspectives
To the reviewer who gave it 1 star, apparently you've never experienced the misery of depression, ADHD, panic attacks, chemical imbalances or anything of this nature.From someone who's fought a life long battle with many of the struggles mentioned in the book, it was refreshing to hear from a doctor who actually has a chemical imbalance - ADHD - and how our brains are engineered, the huge factor the genetics plays in that engineering and what medical science has discovered and continues to uncover.
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Subjects:  1. Affective disorders    2. Christian Life    3. Christianity    4. Christianity - Christian Life - General    5. Depression    6. Genetic aspects    7. Mental Health    8. Psychology And Christianity    9. Religion    10. Religious aspects    11. Self-Help   

Reviews (17)

This book was my therapy!!
After the birth of our second baby, I was over the moon....I felt wonderful.I was thrilled to have a second daughter - another little princess.As it turned out, our little princess was colic and I suffered with sleep deprivation for one full year.At about 6 months after the baby was born I started to experience physical things I had never felt before in my life. It started with severe anxiety attacks and then after a couple of months the depression set in.Without question, the worst time in my life. My mother picked up this book for me suspecting that I was experiencing symptons of post pardom depression.She was right - I was. This book became my therapy - I used myself first and foremost and my family & friends as the book encouraged me to do.This book helped me understand every sympton I was experiencing and how to deal with them. I could not have managed without this book.The knowledge gave me power to cope and I am forever grateful for it.My recovery is in full swing - thanks to this book. "This isn't what I expected"is invaluable to any mother who is dealing with symptons of post pardom depression. I thank the author for writing such a powerful book in helping women overcome PPD.

The Best Book for PPD!!!!
I have read 4 books on Postpartum Depression and this one is by far the best.It is very informative not just for the person suffering this illness, but for the significant other and family members.It even has a chapter especially written for the husband on how to deal with his wife having PPD.
This IS What I Expected
If you have it, or think you have it - this book will help you know it.A no nonsense view of the facts as they exist regarding physical changes, the psychological changes and how having this type of depression effects the ENTIRE family.If one spoke in the family wheel changes,EVERYONE changes. Get support, read this book!Know what is happening to you. Remember, this depression is not your choice, however it is real. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Depression    2. Depression, Mental    3. Mothers    4. Postpartum depression    5. Pregnancy & Childbirth    6. Psychology    7. Family & Relationships / Pregnancy & Childbirth   

Reviews (6)

Keeps on ticking...............
I bought and read this book many years ago and found it very helpful. I read it again a few weeks ago and was again able to appreciate it's value. Aside from the dated research, and some of the debate regarding the use of anti-depressants, it remains as fresh and powerful and relevant today as it was when it was published. It is definitely a giant step in taking the mystery out of depression and I would recommend it to anyone who wishes to learn more about the nature and treatment of this illness.

Very practical, directive strategy
treating depression with cognitive therapy is often the way to go because it can assume a simple, practical format that can motivate patients to take one step at a time. depressed patients frequently feel lost and hopeless, and the directive approach that cognitive therapy takes can bring hope. this book offers many ideas for working with depressed patients in an organized, well-written format.

Arguing them out of it.
Many depressed people have a negative self-image and are always expecting something bad to happen. Beck's theory is that this is the cause, rather than a result, of depression. The depressed make "depressogenic assumptions" and have to be shown that these are false. It sounds as if zealous Beckian therapists must spend a lot of time arguing with their patients. Read more

Subjects:  1. Cognitive Psychology    2. Depression    3. Psychiatry - General    4. Psychology    5. Clinical psychology    6. Psychology & Psychiatry / Clinical Psychology   

Reviews (18)

Facts everybody must know
Dr. Peter R. Breggin's work is excellent. Drugs are KILLING many people before their "natural" time to die has come. Breggin can help persons to stop killing themselves with those horrible medications. Read the book and get better without drugs.

Total Garbage
If there is anyway to make a quick dollar today, its for some moronic MD to write another book about the use of anti-depressents. I really wish that people would stopped reading this garbage, and just do what they feels is right, and stop believing everything someone says just because they have the letter MD in front of their name. The reason I take this personally is that I have been diagnosed with a mental illness, and these drugs have saved my life. I have tried everything, from exercise, to herbals, to vitimins, to theropy, and even though they help, w/o the drugs, I am unable to function. Yes, it is true, these are some strong drugs, and doctors do Overpriscribe them, yet at the same time, they can do wonders for people who dont react well to "Alternitive Theropy" so the person can live a normal life. Every drug has side effects, and little is known about long lasting effects. Does this mean that people with other diseases shouldn't take Meds, should they sufefer and Die because of side effects from Meds, or do you take a chance and possibly live longer. DOnt believe the hype with these [...]. The human brain is still the one body part that doctors are still puzzled with, and little is known of why stuff happens to it. Take your meds, dont suffer, live longer, and tell Peter R. Breggin to go [..](oh yes that is anger created by the use of Effexor..)

Some Balance Please!
I did not read this book,(so cannot truly rate it) but read the description and all of the reviews.I am currently taking an antidepressant and it's working well for me (the generic of Celexa.)I have suffered from low-grade depression for most of my life, with a few major crashes over the years.I do believe it's from a chemical imbalance, contrary to what Dr. Breggin may purport.And I think it's always interesting when so many who make comments seem to have not experienced depression or ever used antidepressants.If, however, I had a child who was depressed, I would NOT want them to use psychotropics unless they absolutely could not function without them
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Subjects:  1. Antidepressants    2. Depression    3. Diet / Health / Fitness    4. Drug Guides    5. General    6. Health & Fitness    7. Health/Fitness    8. Coping with personal problems    9. Popular medicine    10. Health   

Subjects:  1. Depression    2. Depression, Mental    3. Depressive Disorder    4. Hypnotism    5. Mental Depression    6. Mental Health    7. Psychology    8. Self-Help    9. Therapeutic use    10. Treatment    11. therapy    12. Hypnosis    13. Psychiatry    14. Psychology & Psychiatry / Psychotherapy   

Reviews (26)

Overly Explanatory with Examples by an Annoying Patient Recounted Throughout
This book includes basic information on mood disorders, including major depression, mania, and hypomania, all components of what used to be called manic-depression and is now known as bipolar disorder.
Hopeless
Unless you are a layperson and very new to bipolar disorder, this book is just a regurgitation of very old techniques.What's more, the regurgitation is often wrong.Anyone who has dealt with this illness for more than a year will know more than this book can teach them.
No new Info.
Nothing new here and almost nothing about mania, hypomania and its various forms. Heavy focus on depression which is generally well understood. I felt nothing for the woman who supposedly has bipolar and cowrote the book--could not identify one bit. Nothing about the newer drugs which have been recommended to me and which led me to buy the book since it was about "new hope". Bunch of psychodrivel about taking charge of your life which might as well have been written by Tony Robbins. I don't want some motivational book. I was loooking for a more serious discussion.Save your money. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Depression    2. Depression, Mental    3. Healing    4. Health & Fitness    5. Health/Fitness    6. Manic-depressive illness    7. Mood Disorders    8. Psychology    9. Health & Fitness / Healing    10. Popular medicine    11. Psychiatry   

Reviews (7)

THE book on depression
If you're looking to treat depression without using drugs, this is the book to get.The book is packed with almost every type of therapy known to cure depression.If there's any academic research on the subject, Baumel mentions the study and also tells us whether it's an uncontrolled or controlled study (something I appreciate as an academic).He usually explains how the study was conducted in enough detail that it can be replicated at home.This means that he included supplement dosages and length of time needed to see results.He also mentions how to purchase St. John's Wort and light therapy devices, which could save hundreds of dollars.
Fixes a lot of myths, a must have for Dr's and smart people
This is defintely an overall positive book on a very negative topic. The author here explains a lot of different ways that you can get the serotinin back to normal without having to deal with drug therapy.
BEST OF THE CHOICES
As a psychologist wanting my clients to be educated on the biochemistry of depression and possible solutions, I have found this to be the best of all the alternatives I have read.It discusses all the treatments rather than focusing on one alone, as many books do.It is well written, easy to understand, and treats the reader as if he or she is intelligent enough to grasp a good deal of information.I think this book would help everyone in therapy, and would also help therapists in their attempts to help. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Medicine    2. Alternative treatment    3. Depression    4. Depression, Mental    5. Diet / Health / Fitness    6. General    7. Health & Fitness    8. Health Care Issues    9. Health/Fitness    10. Holism    11. Holistic Medicine    12. Mental Depression    13. Popular works    14. Treatment    15. Complementary Medicine    16. Coping with illness    17. Popular medicine    18. Self-Help / Depression   

Editorial Review

5-HTP is a naturally derived amino acid that has been shown in comprehensive studies to be safer than prescription drugs for the treatment of insomnia and depression, and can also be used for treating obesity, migraine headaches, fibromyalgia, and premenstrual syndrome. It may prove to be more popular than St. John's wort for the treatment of depression and other serotonin-related conditions, as it's been shown to produce results in as little as two weeks, while the herb may take a month or longer. Read more

Reviews (21)

Advertised as New but was used
This is not a review but a critique. The book was advertised as new and I paid the "new" price, but it was used. There were several pages with penciled-in answers. The book itself is Murray's usual fine work.

Incomplete and full of inconsistencies
While this book presents some interesting and possibly even helpful information, Murray destroys his credibility by his glaring contradictions.For example, on page 33 he says, "5-HTP...cannot be metabolized by the liver into kynurenine."Then on page 238 he says, "...if vitamin B6 levels are low, then more 5-HTP will get converted in the liver into another substance, kynurenine." Don't Worry, Be Happy!
I have suffered from mild depression for years. The therapy described in the book has worked like a miracle. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Medicine    2. Chemotherapy    3. Consumer Health    4. Depression, Mental    5. Health/Fitness    6. Herbal Medications    7. Hydroxytryptophan    8. Medical    9. Mental Depression    10. Mental Illness    11. Neuropsychopharmacology    12. Physiological effect    13. Psychiatry - Psychopharmacology    14. Serotonin    15. Therapeutic use    16. Vitamins    17. Health & Fitness / Vitamins   

Reviews (22)

Review of Vaginal Nerve Stimulation
The book is well written and describes depression well. Depression sometimes does not respond to drugs or ECT. The VNS can help greatly with these patients.The process of implantation and how the VNS works is described well. This book should be of great value to depressed patients who have been unable to get effective treatment for their illness. It also describes how a support team will be formed by your doctor and the manufacturer of the VNS.
VNS IS NOT A MAGIC BULLET!
After reading this book about 8 months ago, I asked my psychiatrist at my HMO if I could get the implant.To my surprise, he said "yes".It was unexpectedly easy for me to get the procedure, which I had done about 7 months ago.I was one of 2people in my Northern California HMO to have received the implant for depression. Sensitive, insightful,inspirational, educational--a great read-AAA+
I have never read a book about depression by somone who truly understands the suffering. Mr. Donovan has been there and back. I identified with everything he wrote. His book is very informative and guides the reader through the entire process of vagus nerve stimulation therapy via a first hand experience. He demystifies this rather simple procedure, while managing the readers expectations. I wish the book was longer, it was so wonderful to read. I finally have new hope for my depression with the FDA approved procedure of vagus nerve stimulation therapy.
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Subjects:  1. Depression    2. Psychology   

Reviews (1)

Finally, AnEffective Workbook forDepressed People
I found this workbook extremely helpful.It's very straightforward.The ideas about depression are different than your typical self-help book and I found them very powerful in helping me to feel better.The fact that this new approach is based in solid research is one reason for its effectiveness.The other is the authors' knowledgeable guidance through the process. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Depression    2. Psychology    3. Self-Help    4. Coping with illness    5. Self-Help & Practical Interests   

Reviews (27)

A Must Not Read
Please do not be mislead by the rantings of this bipolar persons manic dribble. This should not even be available to the public except as a case study for doctors to observe the rantings of a seeemingly improperly medicated person with bipolar disorder.

Read between the lines
Being bipolar, I actively looked for an uplifting book that would cast a positive light on this devastating disease. This book, however, did not do any of this. Instead, it provides an accurate record of what a manic episode really feels like. This is not described by the author in any explicit detail. Rather, the whole tone and nature of the writing exude the manic energy that the author felt during the very short period that he produced the book.

The most book helpful I have read!
As a carer to someone who suffers from Bipolar this is without a doubt the most helpful, realistic and reader-friedly book I have had the pleasure of reading and I highly recommend it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Depression    2. Mental Health    3. Mood Disorders    4. Psychology    5. Self-Help    6. Manic-depressive illness    7. Manic-depressive persons    8. Psychology-Mental Health    9. Self-Depression    10. Self-Help / Mood Disorders   

Editorial Review

"Depression fallout" is the emotional upheaval suffered by the friends and family members of someone who's depressed. Because at any given time, 17 million Americans are suffering from depression, there's a huge number of people suffering from this, says author Anne Sheffield, the daughter of a depressive. She compassionately recalls situations discussed in her support group at New York City's esteemed Beth Israel Hospital to illustrate how "co-sufferers" can successfully cope with their grief, confusion, guilt, and reduced self-esteem. Read more

Reviews (27)

This book saved my marriage and changed my life!
As a spouse of a chronically depressed person, I love my husband but hate his disease.I was considering divorce only because I didn't want my young children to be scarred by the nasty affects of his disease.
Anne Sheffield is a lifesaver
I've learnt so much about depression from this book.Coping strategies, what medications are available and how they work, and their side-effects, and most importantly that I'm not alone in this.This book has given me tremendous insight.In these pages, I discovered that my husband did not have unipolar depression, as we thought, but atypical depression, which is treated differently.It has given me hope, and inspired me to search for all the possible solutions.The book is also well-written and very easy to read, as opposed to many other books on the subject, some of which were so technical that it put me to sleep.Thank you, Anne Sheffield, for truly making a difference in my marriage.

Revised review:Anne's book is so special.
I have been re-reading Anne's book:"How To Survive When They're Depressed",it is wonderful. I did not realize,belatedly till recently,that it is I that must change,not the depressives that I live with.Anne's book has given me renewed courage and faith and hope,along with inner strength in order to survive.It has been a long and hard journey for me.Anne deserves a vote of thanks,for trying to help those who suffer so much from depression fallout,that it can literally almost destroy the depression fallout victim. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Depressed persons    2. Depression    3. Depression (Psychology)    4. Depression, Mental    5. Emotions    6. Family Relationships    7. General    8. Popular works    9. Psychology    10. Coping with illness    11. Marriage, family & other relationships    12. Popular psychology    13. Self-Help / Depression   

Reviews (6)

Solid Starting Point for Cultural Change
The Power of Procovery in Healing Mental Illness is an exciting book!Kathleen Crowley has written a book that you mayindeed, "Just Start Anywhere" and learn what is needed to change your thinking or help others to begin changing their thinking about living with a disability.When looking for a model to help think about training to help others understand recovery, I learned of Ms. Crowley's Procovery movement.She has a systematic approach to the topic which helps others to organize their thinking.It is also written on a level for an individual to focus on the "procovery" need in their lives.

The Power of Procovery in Healing Mental Illness: Just Start
Excellent book for anyone who deals with Mental illness wether a consumer, family member or professional.We have been working on recovering from a mental illness for years.Last May we started our own Procovery hit and miss style.This book would have been benificial then and is now.Must Read!

Impressive
This book is extraordinary!I love the word "procovery" meaning success can be found looking forward to new life and building new dreams regardless of the symptoms or diagnosis.As a case manager, I've read dozens and dozens of books on overcoming mental illness, and this is the first one to really address the difficult realities I see in practice every day with hope and practical suggestions.Procovery should be taught in graduate school for understanding the challenges and possibilities for overcoming mental illness.The sense of hope and practical guidance run throughout the book, and the separate "Procovery Notes" for consumers, family and staff make it easy for me to share the information and book with clients.I particularly agree with the "just start anywhere" principle - from my own experience it makes sense to start from where someone's energy is - and am impressed the way the book is designed so that it too can be started anywhere. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Depression    2. Medical    3. Mental Illness    4. Mood Disorders    5. Psychiatry - General    6. Psychology   

Reviews (12)

Male depression is REAL !
This book deals with depression in an honest manner. It segments the differences between female and male depression and makes things obvious as to the differences It is a good investment !

To religiously focused
I tried to read this book, but the constant references to the "christian male" made it difficult to feel as if it was pertinent.I feel this book should be specifically shown to be a book for someone with christian beliefs, because it is useless for those of us with other spiritual paths.

Everyone in midlife should read - male or female!
I strongly disagree with the person who thought this could only be of use to Christians.The Christian perspective does not dominate at all. The author has lots of counseling experience with men and knows what he's talking about! I've been separated from my husband for a year now and this book describes what I've been seeing for years, in him and in other men in their 40s.I've been reading lots of self-help books in the past year, including about verbal and emotional abuse, and this gave me even greater insight.Helpful information for both men and women. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity    2. Depression    3. Depression in men    4. General    5. Men's Studies - General    6. Psychology    7. Religious aspects    8. Self-Help    9. Men    10. Psychology & Psychiatry / General   

Reviews (3)

'Not till we are lost do we begin to find ourselves'
This is a beautiful book, worth owning for the author's illustrations alone.In 48 pages (which ends with 'The Beginning') Matthew condenses insight,advice and inspiration.
Wonderful book
This book puts into pictures and words what often can not be described. Many others who have struggled with depression will recognize the "Black Dog" and perhaps be amazed at how similar their story is.In addition, this book can be shared with loved ones to help them understand what it feels like to live with depression. This book is not only informative, but in the end it also offers hope.

Great book about depression and how to overcome it
This is a wonderfully illustrated and well-written book about the experience of being depressed. The author builds on Churchill's metaphor of the "Black Dog of Depression" in a way that is both humerous and insightful. Anyone who had ever been depressed could benefit greatly from reading this book and following the author's suggestions about how to manage and recover from depression. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Depression    2. Mental Depression    3. Non-Classifiable    4. Nonfiction - General    5. Psychology    6. Self-Help    7. Self-Help / Depression   

Reviews (5)

A must have for all you "abandonholics" out there!
I just wanted to comment on another reviewer's words before I give my review. The book does zero in on getting past abandonment to establish a healthy romantic relationship, but the things that made you an abandoment victim may or may NOT have had anything to do with with prior romantic situations. See more in my review that follows:
FANTASTICSOLUTIONS FOR LIFE
THe clarity and empathy in this work saved my life.

Journey to Healing
This book has had a profound positive effect on my life.I went through a painful breakup just a couple of months before I happened to come upon this book in the bookstore.I was so upset about my breakup, I lost over 30 lbs, (and I was thin to begin with), was put on an anti-depression by my doctor and started seeing a Therapist 3 days a week because I was suicidal.This book truely helped me to let go and to realize that loving yourself is the path to healing.It also taught me how to take my ex off the pedestal and see my relationship for what it really was and to move on with my life.This book helped me to gain a feeling of self-worth and to truely realize that I will love again and someone will love me again, but the most important thing is to love yourself. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Applied Psychology    2. Depression    3. General    4. Interpersonal Relations    5. Loss (Psychology)    6. Love & Romance    7. Mental Health    8. Personal Growth - General    9. Psychology    10. Rejection (Psychology)    11. Self-Help    12. Separation (Psychology)    13. Psychology & Psychiatry / General   

Editorial Review

If knowing one's enemy is key to surviving a prolonged encounter, then Read more

Reviews (23)

A Frustrating Book About a Frustrating "Illness".
To begin with, this book is mistitled.If you are looking for a book of practical advice for how to get through day to day struggles while in the throes of this illness, this book offers very little.If you are looking for practical advice for how to deal with someone (a loved one perhaps) who may have this illness, this book does not really offer much of this either.And, if you are looking to validate your experience by reading about accounts of individuals who have had similar experiences, this book does not include much of this either.This book is really more for psychiatrists and medical professionals who try to define the illness.Thus, it includes discussions of what exactly constitutes the illness, various studies, and the endless wrangling among experts over where to draw the lines and which theories of the illness are correct.After reading this book, I have concluded that not only do psychiatrists know very little about the human brain and the human mind, but they may know nothing at all.Much of the definition of the illness seems entirely arbitrary, as even the author points out, and most of the research into the physiological causes of the illness remain poorly understood and open to multiple interpretations.Furthermore, for any given individual who exhibits symptoms of either mania or depression, there is really no predicting the illness.Some may go on to cycle rapidly between the two for the rest of their lives.Others may never experience an episode again.The author claims that certain medications (e.g. lithium) work to either prevent or dampen the effects of mania and depression, but they don't work in all cases, the reason why they work is poorly understood, they may or may not have harmful side effects, and furthermore there is no proof that improvement is necessarily due to the medication at all.Then, there is the issue of diagnosis.Despite the fact that the diagnostic criteria appear to be exact, closer inspection reveals them to be almost completely arbitrary with no clear limits as to what qualifies as illness and with the limits that are written into the criteria themselves being arbitrarily set.In addition, it would appear that while certain individuals exhibit classical symptoms of the illness (oscillating between the two extremes in various amounts), the majority do not.Which leads me to believe that in many cases the illness is being overdiagnosed and used as a catch-all to explain any bad, eccentric, or otherwise unexplainable behavior.My personal experience with psychologists and psychiatrists also leads me to believe this.I have found that psychologists and psychiatrists tend to be normal people with a fancy degree.This means that they are just as prone to misunderstand behavior that falls outside the norm as anyone else.In addition, I have found that psychologists and psychiatrists tend to see what they look for in people.If a psychologist or psychiatrist has a preconceived notion of an individual's experience, they will tend to perceive their behavior so as to confirm their own theories about that person.I have no further evidence to support my belief that psychologists and psychiatrists do not possess any extraordinary insight, but my hunch tells me that they really do not.How could they?