Editorial Review

Written as an answer to the question, "What if van Gogh had been on anti-depressants," Read more

Reviews (26)

Brain damaged in illinois
I have been depressed since the beginning of time.According to this author I am brain-damaged too!!The author tries to present a smoking gun type scenario in genetic and structural research, but doesn't really pull it off. A couple of the changes he cites could be a result of depression rather than a cause.I've read a lot of critiques of twin studies and thought that the studies he referred to had been determined to be compromised.He uses qualitative research to back up his quantitative citations.Not cool.The author is very pro-medication, but fails to discuss the changes the brain makes in adjusting to medications.He also talks about the long term usage of antidepressants being necessary in some cases.He does not offer any outside evidence supporting this supposition despite his use of outside sources throughout the book.Most long term studies of the efficacy of antidepressants last about 3 months, yet the author seems to be talking about YEARS. I remember when SSRIs became available to the general public and there was talk of the revolution in the treatment of depression.Unfortunately, depression is just a rampant as its was at that time. I wonder if the author ever heard of "prozac poop-out". There is a pharmaceutical ad on tv right now that claims that 70% of people on medication are still experiencing significant symptoms of depression.The author does not offer any explanation for how a pharmaceutical intervention can correct structural problems in the brain. As a depressed person reading this book, I couldn't help but feel doomed.I have only read half of this book so far, but I have found it completely disheartening.I gave the book 3 stars because there is a lot of food for thought and I definitely support the idea of eradicating depression.

There's nothing good about depression
Kramer wrote this book after being deluged by stories of depression, depression research, and patients after he wrote Listening to Prozac.
An Enlightening Book
With this excellent book, Peter Kramer has done much more than simply provide answers to those who are always smugly asking him (do these people follow him around like Deadheads when he goes out on book tours?)what would have happened had van Gogh/Poe/Kierkegaard taken Prozac. He helps the reader understand exactly what depression is and what it is not. That it can affect a person's heart literally as well as figuratively. He seeks to divorce human emotions, which he celebrates, from the illness of depression, which places such a heavy burden on so many. Anyone who questions depression's status as a disease, celebrates or romanticizes it, would do well to read this book. Even those who have a vast knowledge of depression, personal or otherwise, will find this book a valuable educational tool.
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Subjects:  1. Depression    2. Mental Depression    3. Mental Health    4. Psychology    5. Psychotherapy    6. Self-Help / Depression   

Subjects:  1. Adolescent psychotherapy    2. Depression    3. Depression in adolescence    4. Developmental - Adolescent    5. Interpersonal psychotherapy    6. Psychology    7. Psychopathology - General    8. Psychotherapy - Child & Adolescent    9. Psychotherapy - General    10. Treatment    11. Paediatric medicine    12. Psychology & Psychiatry / Adolescent Psychology    13. Psychotherapy   

Reviews (1)

A wonderful book, not just for therapists
I bought O'Connor's first book, "Undoing Depression," in hardcover when it came out, and I found it immensely helpful at a time when I was suffering and struggling a lot.I have since recommended that book to many others dealing with depression who wanted to learn more about the disorder and what they can do to get better.When this second book came out, I glanced at it, noticed that it was written for mental health professionals, and put it back on the shelf.Some time later I picked it up again and to my pleasant surprise found that most of the material is appropriate and accessible for educated laypeople.In fact, for me, this may be an even better book than "Undoing Depression" because it has a clearer, narrower focus, i.e. the "active treatment" of depression, it omits some of the more general background material found in the first book, it squarely emphasizes what the depressed person can "do" to get better, and because O'Connor's writing and voice are more polished and self-assured.Read more

Subjects:  1. Counseling of    2. Depressed persons    3. Depression    4. Depression, Mental    5. Mental Depression    6. Mental Health    7. Mental Illness    8. Psychology    9. Psychotherapy    10. Psychotherapy - General    11. Treatment    12. Psychiatry   

Reviews (1)

A huge relief?
It took me a while, as I read this book to think of why I kept getting this warm feeling about my life as I turned the pages. . . Read more

Subjects:  1. Boredom    2. Depression    3. Depression, Mental    4. Emotions    5. Mental Depression    6. Psychology    7. Self-Help    8. Psychiatry    9. Psychology & Psychiatry / Emotions   

Reviews (6)

Don't bother-there are better books available
I find this book very hard to read due to all of the typos, left out words, misspellings, and poor grammar. Additionally, much of the book is a series of lists of symptoms or signs without much explanation. The author does provide many web site listings where you can get more (and much better) information though. I would not recommend this book at all as it would be a waste of money.
e-book still has typos and grammatical errors
Dr. Bunch defended the hard copy of his book by saying that his e-book does not have typos and grammatical errors. WRONG! You'd think he would get it right at some point. I didn't think the errors would be a big deal, but it makes the reader think that perhaps the doctor doesn't really know what he's talking about.
SOMEONE WHO CLEARLY KNOWS AND CARES
What I liked about this book is that the author is really an expert about soft bipolar.I've been suffering for more than 20 years and STILL have not been properly diagnosed, though I've seen many psychiatrists.I'm sure I'm suffering a form of soft bipolar, but this seems to be a problem most psychiatrists can't even label, much less help.They will throw all kinds of medicine at it though -- and just hope something sticks.I am glad to see someone pay attention to the various types of soft bipolar and pull all kinds of valuable information together in one book.My one caveat:all people like me want is HELP.The part about finding a good doctor or therapist -- which is, in a nutshell, call around and ask a bunch of questions about their experience and background -- is really too much to ask from someone sufferingfrom this disorder.It's hard to get organized; it's hard to speak up for yourself; it's hard to get to get to a doctor's appointment at all in the best of times!I honestly can't imagine any psychiatrist I've ever seen answering all these questions for someone who wasn't already a patient. I would go anywhere and pay anything to see a doctor who had this much knowledge and empathy -- there aren't many out there.You deserve much more than 5 stars for that, Dr. Bunch. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Depression    2. Mood Disorders    3. Psychology    4. Self-Help    5. Coping with illness    6. Family & Health    7. Self-Depression    8. Self-Help / Mood Disorders   

Subjects:  1. Cognitive therapy    2. Depression    3. Depression, Mental    4. Psychology    5. Self-Help    6. Coping with personal problems   

Editorial Review

The march of science in explaining human nature continues. In Read more

Reviews (56)

Mens sana in corpore sano.
Over the years.....for as long as I can remember - I sit alone and let my mind soar to the most incredible heights. My mind hears, sees and feels ....original music that tragically will never be heard. Motion Pictures that will never be seen. Eroticism that would make even the most sexually creative blush - never be felt.
Still Worth A Read
While Prof. Jamison's previous writing has inspired me and also given me insight to the potential pitfalls that face someone with bipolar disorder, I found this book to be a bit more technical. Perhaps a little too technical.
Touched with Fire: Manic-Depressive Illness and the Artistic Temperament
It is a very beotifull book, with an almost poetical writing abaut the relation between the manic-Depressive illness and art creativity. It is over all a book thatdoes not approach the problematic of the illness from a negative point of view but yes looking to important points that they must be had in account when somebody is come across with this illness and not only from a clinical point but also social and cultural point of view. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Artists    2. Authors    3. Creative ability    4. General    5. Manic-depressive illness    6. Mental Depression    7. Mental health    8. Mood Disorders    9. Psychology    10. Clinical psychology    11. Health systems & services    12. Literary theory    13. Theory of art   

Reviews (7)

Someone you Love is Depressed
Very Good and helpful book hoping it will keep me on the right track where I want to be. It has helped my boyfriend understand alittle more.
Thank You ! Thank You ! Thank You !
My love one and me were is a very low situation before I started reading this book. He has slight depression and taking Paxil as a medication. Aside the side effect of the pills, depression also changed some of his behavior, and his attitude toward our daily life. I felt negleted, and suspect that our love is no more there.
Not overly informative
Honestly, the only way to help a loved one understand depression is to talk to them about it.Do some research on the internet about the symptoms, common issues and what to look out for.I don't expect someone to read a book about depression because no case is the same. ... Read more

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

Reviews (15)

BEST DEPRESSION BOOK EVER
When I was at a really bad time in my life, my doctor recommended "How to Survive the Loss of a Love."That book helped me so much that I bought "How to Heal Depression" which is by the same authors.This book proved to be the best $7 I think I have ever spent.It is so simple to read, and makes complex ideas understandable. The authors suggest that you take this book along with you and use it often.That was a great piece of advice, since I'm usually the type to not make any marks in my books at all.My copy of "How to Heal Depression" is full of highlighted lines in different colors, and I often referred to it during that terrible time.Since then, I have recommended both books to friends and family, or bought copies for them, when they were most needed.I even have an extra copy of both books to give out just in case.And I have had to restock those "just in case" books a number of times.Everyone I have given one of these books to has truly appreciated them and has felt helped in some way.I cannot recommend this book enough for anyone suffering from depression or for anyone who knows someone with the disease.It helped my mom to understand what I was going through, and also let her know some things to do to help me.Because when someone you love is depressed, it can be quite depressing for those around the depressed person.The helplessness can be felt on both sides, and this book can help everyone.

A profound THANK YOU!
This book is a tonic in itself.It's professional, easy to read, no-nonsense stuff, reassuring without being trivial, and so-o-o-o positive.The section on St John's Wort as an antidepressant is particularly useful for those wary of taking medication for depression.After all, my GP recommended SJW even though he can't prescribe it.SO if you're serious about healing depression, read this book.

Total useless tapes
This is a set of totally useless tapes. It wasted my money and my money. I kept hoping it will get better and disppointed. Read more

Subjects:  1. Depression    2. Depression, Mental    3. Popular works    4. Psychology    5. Self-Help    6. Treatment   

Reviews (3)

Amazingly GREAT!
My mother found this book and after 20 years of dealing with MY depression, she finally understands.This book was a miracle for me. It is great for the person suffering from depression because it gives a great "plan of action."However, it is SUPERB for those not depressed who are around the depressed person.
Return to the Church and beat depression and medication

Excellent "how-to" for dealing with depression!
This is an excellent book for those who consider themselves to have a strong faith (or used to) but are currently struggling with depression. One thing she recommends is to find a spiritual guide, someone to help discern between the depression and Sin, as well as to help relearning to trust God and believe in God's faithfulness.And yes she gives advice on how to identify such a person.Read more

Subjects:  1. Catholic Church    2. Christianity - Christian Life - General    3. Depressed persons    4. Depression    5. Depression, Mental    6. General    7. Inspirational - Catholic    8. Psychology    9. Religion    10. Religion - Classic Works    11. Religion - Roman Catholic    12. Religious aspects    13. Religious life   

Editorial Review

Since depression sometimes responds well to drugs, it's natural to think that, without medicinal intervention, we're helpless in the face of it. Like John Tarrant's groundbreakingRead more

Reviews (13)

A gem of a book
I found this little pearl a couple of years ago hidden on the shelves of a large bookshop, amidst a load of dross.
Best Book I ever bought!
This book came to me just when I needed it.It helped me through my depression and was a light in my tunnel.I am grateful to the author of this book and hope that he continues to write.
Depressed?... read this.
This book is not going to cure you with some helpful tips and tricks. The book does have a few of those. However, it tries to show a path that can lead to making depression a little annoying roach that you can either step on or let run back into the wall.
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Subjects:  1. Depression    2. Depression, Mental    3. Eastern - Zen    4. General    5. Psychology    6. Religious aspects    7. Spiritual life    8. Zen Buddhism    9. Coping with illness    10. Mind, body, spirit: mysticism & self-awareness    11. Psychology & Psychiatry / General   

Reviews (2)

Best yoga book I've read so far
This book is written for those interested in yoga that suffer from depression and/or anxiety. Also for those wishing to boost their memory and concentration. You can use the poses separately or in the routines they are written in. There are routines for waking up, before bed, during the day and for when you are sad, angry, panicky, need a new perspective, to get unstuck, to feel proud and much more. This is a book you need to own or borrow for a long time until you memorize the moves. This was a very worthwhile read and for now, the best yoga book I've ever read.

A Great Introduction to Yoga . . . .
I picked this up at the bookstore, mainly because I was looking for a beginner's guide to yoga, and this seemed to fit the bill. The routines are simple and I really like the author's reassuring tone. The fact that the routines can also be done in as little as 5 minutes is also a big plus. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Depression    3. Exercise    4. Health    5. Health & Fitness    6. Health aspects    7. Health/Fitness    8. Mood Disorders    9. Yoga    10. Yoga for exercise   

Reviews (94)

Truly a Dream Come True
I really enjoyed this novel by Kendra Norman-Bellamy.She is an extrodinary writer when it comes to Christain books.It was soft and sincere.Also emotional.All I can say to sum this book up is 'You Go Girl'.Because this is truly every Christain as well as non-christian dream come true. Wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
For Love and Grace
This book was so GOOD!This was one of the best books I have read,my first christian fiction book was COVER GIRLS,but this book ,FOR LOVE AND GRACE takes the cake! As a young women who one day wants to get married, this book shows what to look for in a good saved man. Thank you soooooooo much for writing this book kendra norman-bellamy!This book was so good,I was almost done reading it in less then two days!Keep doing what you are doing because you are doing it right! GOD BLESS.

The first but no the last
This book was great. I laughed, I cried, I even found myself praying. This book blessed my soul and my spirit so. Greg was definitely a man of God. He handled the situation with Derrick well. Even in the mist of all his trials and tribulation he still believed God. Mattie and Lena tripped me out. They were so funny. That's what a real friendship is all about. This book can definitely teach we as Christians a lesson. Kendra keep doing what you are doing. This was my first book that I had read that was wrote by Kendra Norman-Bellamy, but let me tell you this won't be my last. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. African Americans    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - Religious    4. General    5. Love stories.    6. Male friendship    7. Religious - General    8. gsafd    9. Romance    10. Self-Help / Depression   

Reviews (6)

A Real Disservice to Millions of Depressives!
I venture to saythat, so far, none of the reviewers, or the author himself, has ever suffered the agony of the disease of depression. Yes, anti-depression medications are overprescribed. Yes, the pharmaceutical companies, and their advocates, do have a huge stake in their sales results. Yes, isolated instances of unwanted consequences and abuses do exist. Yes, there is much that is still unknown about many aspects of the origins and cures of mental illness. But the author, well-intentioned though he may well be, throws out the baby with the bath water. Where has he been these past ten years, a decade during which medical doctors (which he is not) have progressed to the imaging of photos of the human brain which clearly show the changes in the brain for people before and after they have suffered from the effects of depression. To say that anti-depressant medications, when correctly prescribed, do more damage to people than they help would be like making the same claim about insulin as it relates to people who are suffering from the disease of diabetes. Trust me as one whose life has been vastly improved by the judicious use of modern medicine: don't be fooled by the central message of this book. The quality of your life may depend upon it.

SHOULD BE A PART OF MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS'BASIC EDUCATION
This book should be considered one of the basic readings for an education in medicine, psychology, social work, nursing and other related disciplines. Because of it's profound list of references, the book is an irreplaceable source for every researcher of depression and psychosis. I have been involved for more than 20 years in developing new approaches for psychotics and patients with other severe mental crises. In our practice in Finland we noted that people are best met in their homes as soon as the crisis begins and that their families should be invited to join in the process from the very beginning and all analysis and conclusions should be made in the open, not by professionals in closed rooms.Our results are almost the opposite of current evidenced-based medicine recommendations: If antipsychotics were not used in psychotic patients, we witness much better outcomes. In the entire program only 29% used antipsychotics during the five-year follow-up time and, of all patients, 85% had returned to full employment. In his book Dr. Scott gives convincing evidence of how the studies behind the main stream treatment recommendations are invalid as they are manipulated in many ways. Dr. Scott's book will help professionals bring changes to current practice approaches and will lead to better mental health care for patients. I really enjoyed reading Dr. Scott's bold book.
Drug companieswantDr. Scott to go away!
I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Scott on my radio health show. He is not only a very knowledgeable speaker but a fine researcher that truly understands clinical trials. Dr. Scott carefully unraveled the tricks of the trade drug companies use to get anti-depressants and anti-psychotics approved and on the market.
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Subjects:  1. Business / Economics / Finance    2. Chemotherapy    3. Depression    4. Depression, Mental    5. Drug Guides    6. Industries - General    7. Medical    8. Medical misconceptions    9. Schizophrenia    10. Side effects   

Reviews (1)

A powerful and effective self-help guide
Ably written by Gregory L. Jantz (the founder and executive director of the mental health and chemical dependency treatment facility The Center for Counseling and Health Resources Inc.) with the assistance of Ann McMurry and featured an informative Foreword by Dr. Abram Hoffer, Moving Beyond Depression: A Whole-Person Approach To Healing is a powerful and effective self-help guide to the personal search for emotional equilibrium; rebuilding personal and familial relation-ships; identifying the physical causes of depression; renewing spiritual connections, and more. Focusing on the importance of looking at one's life as a whole in order to treat depression (including the emotional, environmental, relational, phy-sical, and spiritual factors involved in melancholia), Moving Beyond Depression is very highly recommended reading -- especially for those struggle with their own "dark nights of the soul". ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Depression    2. Depression, Mental    3. General    4. Medical    5. Popular works    6. Psychology    7. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    8. Self-Help / Recovery   

Editorial Review

It seems like it was just yesterday that Prozac was a miracle pill, a medication that could not only make sick people well, but "better than well."Read more

Reviews (64)

Don't Be Fooled. Read This Book.
As a person who has been on antidepressants for over 8 years and developed severe neurological conditions while on them, I can't recommend this book highly enough. It was suggested to me by one of my doctors after constant testing could find no physical cause for my neurological problems. There were no lesions, no tumors, no spinal anomolies yet there I was with severe myoclonus among other things.
scary cover up
I am one of the victims. I was brainwashed,Im off the drugs now and finally see the corruption. I was perfectly healthy before SSRI yet still havent recovered after 4 years. Most doctors ignore victims like nazis denying the holocaust has never have happened. You also gotta consider most of the school shooting was caused by people who were on SSRI. I was very close to committing a very life threating act, fortunatly I was brave enough to come off of it. I have to say this issue should be one of the main concerns that should be on the main stream news media. It is scary that it is not talked about more often in this country.
Incredibly important and useful, unbiased information!
I have been living in a rural area that lacks therapists and Psychiatrists. And so, with no alternatives available, I went to my GP complaining of depression. And I was truly, severely, depressed. The answer? Zoloft. Oh yes...and leave the extremely dysfunctional relationship I was in.
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Subjects:  1. Alternative Therapies    2. Consumer Health    3. Depression    4. Health & Fitness    5. Health Care Issues    6. Health/Fitness    7. Mental Health    8. Pharmacology    9. Popular medicine    10. Social Science / General   

Subjects:  1. Anxiety    2. Borderline personality disorde    3. Borderline personality disorder    4. Case studies    5. Cognitive Psychology    6. Depression    7. Depression, Mental    8. Mental Health    9. Pathological Psychology    10. Psychological aspects    11. Psychology    12. Self-Help    13. Cognition & cognitive psychology    14. Neurology & clinical neurophysiology    15. Psychology & Psychiatry / Cognitive Psychology   

Subjects:  1. Depression    2. Psychology    3. Self-Help    4. Self-Help / Depression   

Reviews (10)

The Anxiety Cure: An Eight Step Program for Getting Well
Excellent self help-I've also bought this for two relatives.
Narrow Focus
This book is not about curing anxiety, it is about curing phobias. It does not address any other forms of anxiety, and says nearly nothing about GAD- generalized Anxiety Disorder. If you are starting from absolute ignorance about phobias, agoraphobia or current treatments, it might be worth while as a starting point. If you suffer from anxiety which does not present as a phobia or panic attack, there is little here for you. The advice, in summary, is to expose yourself to your fears and get over it. Kinda simple.

Greatest & fastest working book to reduce or stop anxiety!
This book is much faster than regular therapy, and I am the type of person who likes fast results and I will work hard to get them.I, like thousands of others, suffer with some anxieties.This program is loaded with wonderful tips and tools in combating anxiety, and I have learned extra tools that I will incorporate into my own lifelong recovery system.I liked the eight-step program that was used and I liked the "family" kind of feel it gave me when reading it.In the future, I will be recommending this book to people who think they may have a problem with anxiety or if they are just inquiring about it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anxiety    2. Depression    3. General    4. Healing    5. Mood Disorders    6. Popular works    7. Psychology    8. Self-Help    9. Stress Management    10. Treatment    11. Coping with personal problems    12. Self-Help / Mood Disorders   

Reviews (4)

Great book, but pointless
Until we have a health care system that pays for such treatment, it will only be available to the rich.Given that most of us struggling with chronic depression have spotty work histories and financial problems, it is extremely unlikely that those who most need this kind of therapy will get it.I've had a lifetime of self-rationing medical care, because of the lack of parity for mental health services.Therapists and psychiatrists need to stop writing books and start working toward the political change that would make treatment available to those with chronic depression.Otherwise, your theories are worthless except for a small handful of well-off individuals.

AMAZON.COM HAS THE WRONG INFORMATION FOR THIS BOOK
While the book is excellent and a significant work in advancing the field of the treatment of chronic depression, it is NOT co-authored by Marvin R. Goldfried. Marvin Goldfried only wrote the forward to the book. The book is a sole authorship by James P. McCullough. Additionally, the copyright date is 2000, not 1999 as stated in the advertisement. A Patient's Look at a Therapist's Manual
This is one of the few books about depression treatment that is very specifically about chronic depression.Chronic depression here includes minor depression alone, major depression that never ends, and a variety of combinations of major and minor depression that all fall into the chronic category.Functional (or dysfunctional) similarities between early and late onset types are illustrated.McCullough explains the unique pathology of this version of depression and explains why classic cognitive therapy does not work on it all that well.He lays out an interesting theory of just where cognitive development goes awry in patients like us that to me feels organically true.This developmental screw-up can lead to a lifetime of unconscious behavioral and interpersonal crap that does not correct itself spontaneously, ever.Read more

Subjects:  1. Depression    2. Mental Depression    3. Mental Illness    4. Psychology    5. Psychopathology - Compulsive Behavior    6. Psychotherapy - General    7. Cognition & cognitive psychology    8. Neurology & clinical neurophysiology    9. Psychology & Psychiatry / Psychotherapy    10. Psychotherapy