Reviews (12)

The Revolving Door of Schizophrenia
Reading this book is like watching a train wreck in progress.You can't take your eyes off of it because you want to know how it all works out.When I was putting together a course on psychology in literature a friend gave me this book but made me promise to return it because it was a favorite of hers.After reading it, I can understand why.The author does a fantastic (although disturbing) job of describing the life of a woman with schizophrenia while also discussing the impact that the woman's illness has on her family.While reading the book the reader often begins to feel the anxiety and frustration experienced by Sylvia, a woman with schizophrenia, and her family, and can see in their mind's eye how the disease unfolds and engulfs their lives.
nicely researched
but having read it just this year, it seems a little outdated. I would recommend this book as an introduction to the subject of mental illness, institutionalization etc., but if you know a little more on the subject, skip the book and read something else.

True, intimate, and slow
I think this book shows the reality of liveing with schizophrenia and the feeling that there is no place for you.This book takes you through relaspe and healing periods with the main women character.It also shows the failures in our system.I think the book gets a little slow at points, it is a book you can definately put down, but it does do justice to teaching and learning about life with schizophrenia. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Creedmoor Psychiatric Center    3. Frumkin, Sylvia    4. Mental Illness    5. Psychology    6. Schizophrenia    7. Schizophrenics    8. United States    9. Psychology & Psychiatry / Mental Illness   

Reviews (1)

Good Review
The company I used managed to get the book sent to me in a reasonable amount of time. The book was in better condition than advertised, still shrink-wrapped with the CD in it (a highly useful CD at that). I was very pleased with the book overall and highly reccomend it to anyone studying in this field of psychology. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Depression    2. Mental Illness    3. Psychiatry    4. Psychology    5. Psychology, Pathological    6. Psychopathology - Schizophrenia    7. Abnormal psychology    8. Psychology & Psychiatry / General   

Subjects:  1. Mental illness    2. Psychology    3. Psychology, Pathological    4. Psychopathology - General    5. Psychopathology - Schizophrenia    6. Suicide    7. Abnormal psychology    8. Psychiatry    9. Psychology & Psychiatry / General   

Reviews (1)

Very Well Done
As any undergraduate student probably knows, most college courses require a textbook; many of which are so painfully long and monotonous that it's really hard to stay focused on the material being read.'Abnormal Psychology,' on the other hand, was a pleasure to read.Halgin and Whitbourne have presented this subject in a style that's informative, yet clear and concise, and above all...interesting.Included are case studies that accompany each chapter, providing helpful examples of the psychological disorders being addressed (e.g., personality disorders, eating disorders, schizophrenia, substance abuse, anxiety, depression, etc.), along with video clips in the cd-rom.In addition, the writing style itself makes for a smooth read.This book is definitely recommended for understanding abnormal psychology (and if you're a student I'd suggest the workbook too). ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Depression    2. Psychology    3. Psychopathology - General    4. Psychopathology - Schizophrenia    5. Abnormal psychology    6. Psychiatry    7. Psychology & Psychiatry / Clinical Psychology   

Reviews (2)

Nicely written and practical
This has greatly improved my understanding and practice of providing psychotherapy and case management services to those individuals who suffer from severe and persistent mental illness. I definitely recommend it.

Author's advice: Get the Skills Illustration Video + book

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Subjects:  1. Handbooks, manuals, etc    2. Mental Illness    3. Prevention    4. Psychology    5. Psychopathology - Addiction    6. Reference    7. Rehabilitation    8. Rehabilitation Therapy    9. Schizophrenia    10. Schizophrenics    11. Substance abuse    12. Training of    13. Abnormal psychology    14. Illness & addiction: social aspects    15. Psychiatry   

Reviews (32)

Excellent Introduction to Schizophrenia
This is an important book. It explains what is known about Schizophrenia broadly and includes suggestions for further reading. I can't imagine a better guide for families and consumers, although for professionals, the information is fairly basic. I enjoyed looking through this book because Dr. Torrey writes personably , making it an invaluable resource for those who are surviving Schizophrenia.

Torrey's Schizophrenia thorough
This is an excellent book that helps anyone who has to deal with a loved one suffering from schizophrenia. Very readable!

Great Resource
If you have a family member that has schizophrenia, get this book. Easy to read and thorough.After all the books and research, this book had more of everything in one place.Small wonder that this is the fourth edition. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Mental Health    2. Mental Illness    3. Popular works    4. Psychology    5. Schizophrenia    6. Psychology & Psychiatry / General   

Subjects:  1. Clinical Psychology    2. Cognitive Therapy    3. Psychology    4. Psychopathology - Schizophrenia    5. Schizophrenia    6. Treatment    7. therapy    8. Psychiatry    9. Psychology & Psychiatry / Clinical Psychology   

Editorial Review

Stories of famously eccentric Princetonians abound--such as that of chemist Hubert Alyea, the model for Read more

Reviews (267)

Mathematics and Madness.
_A Beautiful Mind_ by Sylvia Nasar is a fairly interesting biography of mathematician and 1994 Nobel Prize Winner in Economics, John Nash, that raises more questions than it answers.Early on in his career, Nash established for himself a reputation for genius; he fearlessly tackled difficult mathematical problems and achieved many astounding results.However, like many geniuses Nash had his eccentricities which may have foreshadowed his later illness.In many ways, Nash was not a very likeable individual, prone to arrogant boasting and often treating those around him less than kindly.Later, when Nash was to recover his sanity, it appears he unfortunately regained many of the early features of his personality that could only be seen in a negative light.For example, while it is difficult to judge him for his treatment of his chronically schizophrenic son (given the inherent tragedy of the whole affair), his treatment of his other illegitimate son is appalling (both before and after his illness).Nash's early involvement in various "homosexual" relationships (including an arrest in Santa Monica for soliciting sexual activities in a men's restroom which cost him his job at RAND) offers another disturbing aspect of his personality that may have foreshadowed his later mental collapse.Like many other mathematical geniuses (including Cantor and Godel) Nash was completely ravished by mental illness and paranoia.In fact, the dividing line between madness and genius does not appear to be clear cut in the least, and the case of John Nash seems to offer further testament to the difficulty of assessing this difference.While Nash was eventually to be diagnosed as suffering from paranoid schizophrenia tragically resulting in long periods of institutionalization and idleness, failed attempts to resume his career, and eventually becoming a mere phantom of his former self at Princeton University ("the phantom of Fine Hall") engaging in numerological dabbling, his subsequent and totally unexpected recovery of rational thought (a process he compared to dieting) led some to doubt his original diagnosis.In many ways those around Nash faced even greater hardships than he did, particularly his former wife Alicia, forced to hospitalize him repeatedly and met with criticism by both Nash and others, his "mistress" Eleanor, and his mother.All in all it was a very tragic situation, and despite Nash's brash and uncaring personality both before and after illness it is difficult not to sympathize with him throughout most of the book.And, despite the fact that Nash was to regain his sanity for the most part, offer some interesting new contributions (though on a much lesser scale), and win the Nobel Prize in Economics for his work in game theory, realistically speaking this is hardly a "happy ending" (there remains the fact of his chronically schizophrenic though extremely mathematically gifted son, his tragically failed relationships with others, and his own loss of the greater part of his life).
Much Better than the Movie
Nasser's attention to detail in Nash's work and his illness brings a more life-like face to his struggle with genius and schizophrenia.The book spends an extraordinary time explaining game theory and the basis of Nash's theory which ultimately produced his Nobel prize.Highly recommended!

SOME ALIENS AND INSANITY BUT MOSTLY A STORY OF A GENIUS.
The thing that interested me in reading this book was Nash's battle with insanity and his obsession with seeing hidden messages from aliens in publictions. I had expected much of this to have been discussed in more depth but the book really focuses on Nash's college studies and career as a mathmatical genius. Most people will probably want to buy and read this book for exactly what it is and not for the story of aliens and insanity for which I bought the book. Though the book was not what I had hoped it to be for my own personal interest I have to give it a 5 star review because I think it's exactly what the average person buying the book would expect it to be. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1928-    2. Biography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Historical - U.S.    6. Mathematicians    7. Mathematicians And Their Works    8. Nash, John F    9. Nash, John F.,    10. Psychology    11. Psychopathology - Schizophrenia    12. Scientists - General    13. Specific Groups - Special Needs    14. United States    15. Biography & Autobiography / Science & Technology    16. Biography: general    17. History of mathematics   

Reviews (2)

Comparing the 2 U.S. Textbooks...
One dilemma students, residents, fellows and attendings may have is deciding which of the three english language child psych textbooks to read.This book is more comprehensive than the other American textbook, the American Psychiatric Textbook of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, and is a more sophisticated read. For those looking for more depth and a reference this is the one.If you want speed, a more general overview, and an easier read on the eyes choose the other one.The typeface here is smaller (and so in fact its wordcount is much greater, maybe one and a half to twice that of the American Textbook). This book offers more in the way of material beyond the basics of diagnosis and treatment, such as in depth material about genetics and neurodevelopment or a number of chapters covering allied professions or closely related fields (school, legal, international issues, etc,).If your goal is to make it thru a textbook, in your training say, you'll need stamina for this one. (Know thyself: if you're geek enough to consider plowing through a whole textbook, then you'll be more satisfied after reading this one; but if you think you might waver, there is more chance of making it through the other one.)

Child Psychiatry Review
After a considerable search to find a professional level, readable, up-to-date Child and Adolescent Reference, Lewis' work fully meets or exceeds my expectations. Articles draw on expert opinion, research findings and clinical practice to give encyclopediac references. A very wide scope.The only comparable volumes are the Comprehensive Textbook of PsychiatryVII, and that reference is not child-centered but rather adult-focused.This volume excels in clarity of presentation even as it delivers extensiveand thoughtful clinical/theoretical material. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Antipsychotic Agents    2. Chemotherapy    3. Medical    4. Mental Illness    5. Psychiatry - General    6. Psychology    7. Psychopharmacology    8. Schizophrenia    9. drug therapy    10. Pharmacology    11. Psychiatry   

Subjects:  1. Family    2. Family relationships    3. Mental Illness    4. Mentally ill    5. Psychology    6. Psychopathology - Schizophrenia    7. Schizophrenia    8. Schizophrenics    9. Coping with illness    10. Psychiatry    11. Psychology & Psychiatry / Mental Illness   

Subjects:  1. Medical    2. Medical / Nursing    3. Mental Illness    4. Psychiatry - General    5. Schizophrenia    6. Schizophrenic Psychology    7. physiopathology    8. Neurology & clinical neurophysiology    9. Psychiatry   

Reviews (28)

I am not sik I don't need help
This is one of the best, most helpful books I have read.

EXTRAORDINARY,EXCELLENT, INFORMATIVE BOOK
HAVING TO GO THRU MY MOTHERS SCHIZOPHRENIA AS A YOUNG CHILD AND NOT UNDERSTANDING WHAT WAS HAPPENING TO ME AND MY BROTHER AND SISTERS, FEELING ALL THE HURT AND EXPERIENCING HOW THIS ILLNESS OVERTAKES THE WHOLE FAMILY. A SECOND TIME TO GO THRU IT ALL OVER AGAIN WITH MY FATHER IT IS ALMOST UNBEARABLE, BUT SOMETHING HAS CHANGED, I'M AN ADULT NOW AND I LOOK FOR HELP AND WAYS TO HELP HIM, THINGS WE COULDN'T DO WITH MY MOTHER. I FOUND THIS BOOK ON THE INTERNET AND BOUGHT IT. I READ IT IN FOUR DAYS AND ALREADY PUT IT TO USE. THIS BOOK IS MY PRIZE POCESSION RIGHT NOW. EVERYTHING IN THIS BOOK REMINDS ME THE EXPERIENCES I HAD WITH MY MOTHER AND DIDN'T HAVE A BOOK LIKE THIS TO HELP HER. MY MOTHER IS FAR GONE BUT MY FATHER IS JUST STARTING WITH THE ILLNESS. I HAVE PUT TO USE SOME OF THE THINGS DR. AMADOR AND HIS RESEARCHERS STATED IN THE BOOK AND IT IS WORKING. GOD BLESS DR. AMADOR FOR THIS BOOK AND THANK YOU FOR WRITTING IT IN SPANISH ALSO. I WILL MAKE SURE I RECOMMEND IT TO ANYONE GOING THRU THE SAME THINGS WE ARE GOING THRU. A MUST HAVE BOOK FOR DEPRESSION AND ANY MENTAL ILLNESS.

I am not Sick I don' t Need you Help
Very excellent book to understand the thoughts of someone with a mental illness. A must read to improve your life. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Care    2. Mental illness    3. Mentally ill    4. Popular works    5. Psychology    6. Psychology & Psychiatry / Mental Illness    7. Treatment    8. Denial (Psychology)    9. Manic-depressive illness    10. Psychology & Psychiatry    11. Schizophrenia   

Reviews (9)

Contemporary classic
This is one of my favorite books. As a work on psychological styles and the nature of rationality, I rank it right up with The Greeks and the Irrational, by E.R. Dodds. The basic argument is that madness is not irrationality, but extreme and excessive rationality, and that the totalizing reasoning of madness shows parallels to the totalizing reasoning of philosophical, artistic, and literary modernism. This is an intriguing view in its own right, and it is a valuable response to the romanticization of madness by those such as Norman O. Brown, who declared that "schizophrenia is the dissolution of the false boundaries of self."
Best book I've seen for explaining schizoid personalities
While growing up I had several friends, and acquaintances, who were diagnosed as having schizoid personalities. I was curious, so I read several books on the subject and this is the only one that actually seemed to line it's theories up with what I knew from personal experience. Namely, that these were people who were hyperconscious. He did well in explaining how this could create distortions in viewpoint rather than enhancements. A few of my friends were even fans of the artists and philosophers referenced in the book as examples. His references to Foucault, his theory of the panopticon, and the empirical and transcendental doublet were also very insightful in explaining his theory.

Buys Into Psychiatric Mythology
I appreciated the depth Sass's scholarly analysis of both the artistic, and sociopolitical associations with "schizophrenic thought". What I don't understand is how he flatly forgets that Western psychiatry is in itself a culturally-constructed phenomenon. It has only existed for less than two hundred years, which is a very short time in the history of humankind, and the history of artistic production. Psychiatry has its own language, terminology, system of determining "truth"---which is particular to itself, and not shared by all cultures, throughout all time. He embraces its "inherent truth" in all of his chapter titles which refer to psychiatric analyses of behavior, and in his neurobiological discussions as well. His interesting cross- cultural analysis of tribal societies begins to point out some of the gaps: the non-universality of psychiatric world-views...but he misses the chance to further explore it. Thousands of societies have cultural, spiritual and artistic traditions which involve a cyclic and transitory notion of time and spatial parameters. Millions of people within today's "crazy culture" throughout the world, myself included, choose to defend our right to think, communicate, and express our art as a distinct, legitimate culture. We are met, in response, with the language of psychiatry...which advocates that we be forcibly locked up, drugged, electrocuted, ice-picked and restrained, and brainwashed by medical professionals into believing our truths are false. These are tremendous civil-rights issues that stem directly from psychiatric philosophy. In this book, which I was originally excited to read, I find Sass has simply further "mystified" us into an anthropological freak show. He truly had an opportunity to advocate on our behalf, and missed it. For those interested, I highly reccommed the classic works of Dr. Thomas Szaz, and modern crazy culture authors, such as Irit Shimrat, Shiela Gilhooley and Persimmon Blackridge. Psychiatric insiders argue that we are NOT victims, delusional, or ill...and that our art is not "symptomatic" of disease. We are simply a culture....one of many, on a richly diverse planet. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Mental Illness    2. Modernism (Aesthetics)    3. Modernism (Art)    4. Modernism (Literature)    5. Psychology    6. Psychology (Specific Aspects)    7. Schizophrenia   

Reviews (7)

written for a general audience
Dr. Seager's book is a fine introduction to the problems of mental illness among the homeless.Written as a first-person narrative (which at times does become a little too melodramatic), he still manages to discuss the problem.If you're a mental health professional, some of the material is a little basic, but this is a good book to give to your friends to help them to understand what you do on a daily basis.Seager's portraits put a human face on the homeless and mentally ill.Those who read this book may never be able to pass by that guy on the street begging for change again.

About Me
I am a recovering street crazy person.I fall in the catagory of one who was clinically depressed.Dr. Seager explains what I have been through in a compassionate way. He is telling the truth as to the treatment of the mentally ill. I tried to explain to family and friends what I have been through; however, I could not do it.Dr.Seager has also helped remove some of the shame I have been carrying around for the past ten years. Now, the problem I have is getting people to read this book. I thank Dr. Seager for his passion to help people like me.

My heart ached
I loved reading this book.It was difficult to lay it down.My heart aches for the mentally ill.I am a psych nurse--and I know the issues--court problems and goverment problems that each person with a mental illness faces--and this book brings it out prefectly.I would recommend anyone interested in mental health issues to read this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Current Events / Homelessness    2. Psychology & Psychiatry / Mental Illness    3. Sociology    4. Current Events    5. Homeless Persons    6. Homelessness    7. Mental Illness    8. Mentally ill    9. Psychology & Psychiatry    10. Schizophrenia   

Reviews (10)

Making Sense of the Therapeutic Relationship
This is a very courageous book about a very courageous project. It touched me deeply. Brief entries from a master therapist and a writer patient in which each describes what happened for them in each session over a year or so personalize the therapeutic process. One can read a half dozen self help books about therapy and never come as near to understanding the meaning of the therapeutic relationship as well as in this book. While this is not Yalom's best book in literary terms - he was clearly still thinking about being a writer rather than being one - his willingness to expose his own feelings, needs and strategy as a man and a therapist to both the patient (who got to read his entries periodically) and reader is enriching. The book is a good exposition of Yalom's thesis that therapy is ultimately and primarily about the relationship between patient and therapist in which what goes on in the 45 minute hour is the most important element in healing.

Life...Or Something Like It
This is one of those books I couldn't wait to run back to.In those free moments between dishes and the bank, and the relaxed air of bedtime, I reveled in anticipation, because this book is like a talk with my best friend.Maybe better.Candor, humor and delightful poetic insights ramble through the hills and valleys of this therapeutic reality fest.I came away with a new sense of myself and the possibilities of my life.I will missDr. Yalom and Ginny.If you are looking for Mary Higgins Clark you're in the wrong place.If you're looking for a friend you don't want to let go, this is your lucky day.

not the best yalom has to offer...
this was his book i was most excited to read, and while i think the concept is great, i don't think it really worked.the accounts were often long-winded and dull, and when there were little gems within that made it worth wading through, they were often hidden amidst pages of muck.i still think the idea behind the book is strong and could work, however, and i admire yalom for trying, but at the same time i wonder if it's not somewhat unethical to reveal so much to a patient about the therapist's feelings, and also to give her free therapy in exchange for writing for him - like, is it a conflict of interest on his part, and therefore countertherapeutic?also, the book doesn't really say if she got better in the long-term.i'm not so sure... still glad i read the book, but didn't honestly feel i got too much out of it.many of his other books are head and shoulders above this one... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Case studies    3. Mental Illness    4. Psychology    5. Psychology & Psychiatry Profession - General    6. Psychotherapy    7. Schizophrenia    8. Popular psychology   

Reviews (1)

Quite Good
I would have given this book 5 stars, but the Freudian analysis by Dr. Sechehaye at the end of the book is obsolete; indeed, it makes for better reading if one simply skips that section.In fact, even Freud himself thought psychoanalysis would not do schizophrenics any good.Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. General    3. Psychology    4. Psychopathology - General    5. Psychology / Psychopathology / Schizophrenia   

Reviews (39)

A Journey into the Torment of Madness
Contrary to the subtitle of this impressive book, the most part of it - at least 95% if not more - is about the descent into madness and the struggle with it. Despite all the efforts made by Lori, what ultimately makes a true difference and saves her from schizophrenia is a medication. Lori Schiller is indeed a very courageous person, however. I'm not denying that, but as for many cases, sometimes it's a chemical problem in the brain (as a machine) and not a psychological problem of the mind, as most doctors seem to be obsessed about.
Sad insight to mental illness
I read this book and cried throughout it. I could feel her pain as well as how it was effecting the family. A must read,

Wow
Well, I received this book yesterday and just couldn't put it down.This book was written in a brilliant way with stories from lots of people in Lori's life, with outstanding honesty.By being able to see everyones views, it gave an amazing insight into this life, a life most people just can't even imagine.I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone, it offers hope to anyone going through this themselves. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. General    4. Mental Illness    5. Mental health    6. Psychology    7. Psychopathology - General    8. Schiller, Lori    9. Schizophrenia    10. Schizophrenics    11. United States    12. Biography: general    13. Coping with illness    14. Psychology & Psychiatry / Mental Illness    15. USA   

Reviews (2)

After reading Essential Psychopharmacology of Antipsychotics and Mood Stabilizers
Almost all of us feel that the psychopharmacology is complex and difficult to understand.But this book solves the problems.Clearly figures help us understand psychopharmacology easily.
Don't be fooled by the title!!
As soon as I looked inside the book I saw that it is really about the treatment of schizophrenia.I was interested in updated information about the use of lithium and anticonvulsants , which are what one usually means by "mood stabilizers".There are 16 pages on these medications in the whole book.There is lots of information on the newer antipsychotics, which I expected and wanted too- but it was focused on the treatment of schizophrenia. So, don't be fooled by the title ( or the editorial reviews).I didn't read the book because I needed to keep it in pristine condition to return it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Antipsychotic Agents    2. Antipsychotic drugs    3. Chemotherapy    4. Handbooks    5. Handbooks, manuals, etc    6. Medical / Nursing    7. Neuropsychopharmacology    8. Pharmacology    9. Psychiatry - Psychopharmacology    10. Psychology    11. Psychopathology - General    12. Psychoses    13. Schizophrenia    14. Antipsychotic drugs--Handbooks, manuals, etc    15. Medical / Psychiatry    16. Psychiatry   

Reviews (32)

Fascinating tale of twins and mental illness
Because I have an identical twin sister, I was drawn to this book because of its reflection of the unique and special relationship that twins share, one that can span the spectrum from flashes of guilt and envy to moments of deep devotion and pride.The alternating voices of Carolyn and Pamela reflect this as they impart their struggle to become individuals and be seen as unique from each other as they develop through adolescence while also staying true to the innate devotion twins share.This is all turned on its head when Pamela, the smart, outgoing achiever, begins to hear voices....
Too little background onwhole family
This was an interesting enough book, but would have like to havelearned more about the family dynamics that were alluded to in the later part of the book. For example, her father, not talking to him, the other siblings that were briefly mentioned, etc. The horror of schizophrenia was very descriptive. That part of the book that was woven throughout made the book readable. I can't imagine having a child who would have to endure this type of mental illness.

incredible book
This is an important book to get inside the pain and suffering of the mentally ill.It also gives a profound insight into the impact mental illness has on the families of the sufferers.I highly recommend it to anyone who has been touched by mental illness.I am grateful to these sisters for giving us such a powerful glimpse into their lives. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography And Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Medical - General    6. Mental Illness    7. Personal Memoirs    8. Psychopathology - Schizophrenia    9. Schizophrenia    10. Biography: general    11. Coping with illness    12. Psychology & Psychiatry / Mental Illness   

Reviews (1)

Karin Janiin, Author, Life Coach, Director of Mid-Hudson Women's network
Miss Whalen's book is a gift of love for the world. Extremely informative, captivating, and easy to comprehend, this book belongs in every home. Miss Whalen is a gifted writer and researcher. A plus!I cannot say enough great things about this book. [...]It took courage for her to write this book - I applaud her for standing up and telling her story.I've purchased several copies to share with my friends and family.Thank you Ruth for your courage and your gift, Karin Janin ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Diet / Health / Fitness    3. General    4. Health & Fitness    5. Health/Fitness    6. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    7. Health & Fitness / General    8. Trafford,1-4120-5000-6,1412050006,04-2808,042808,anaphylaxis,caffeine allergy,psychosis,toxic dementia,creatine phosphokinase (CPK),ADHD,bipolar disorder,schizophrenia,anxiety,panic,PMS,