Reviews (2)

If a hysteric patient is leaving you muddled..
This is the book to consult. rich, complex. and best savored in small, delicate bites, Bollas offers some insights about hysterics you simply won't find anywhere else. For example, he delineates the intricacies of exactly why the hysteric tries to find him-herself in the desire of the other. Bollas also explains why the hysteric eschews the physical and the sexual( the mother denied the infant's body). Further, Bollas makes such lucid sense of the hysteric's array of physical maladies. (She is offering her body to medical professionals to care for, attend, touch, and love, the way her mother never did.) Wow!
Goodness! Reading this book, I can't help but wonder how we've gotten along without it for so long, or for as long as hysteria as a working clinical-theoretical construct has been banished from our vernacular.Bollas depicts with great creativity and clarity just what hysteria is, and gives us a working sense of how to differentiate it from other psychic structures, especially the borderline, with which it has most commonly been misunderstood.True to classical and object relations thinking, the author also extends our understanding of this most complex patient.His differential descriptions of various structures is done through not only what the patient struggles with, but also how both the transference and the countertransference vary.A must-read! for any psychotherapist serious about working the depths of our patients. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Human Sexuality    2. Hysteria    3. Medical    4. Mental Illness    5. Psychology    6. Psychopathology - General    7. Psychotherapy - General    8. Neurology & clinical neurophysiology    9. Psychoanalysis & psychoanalytical theory    10. Psychology & Psychiatry / Psychotherapy    11. Sexual behaviour   

Editorial Review

After centuries of outsiders carping about scientific reductionism, the promised synthesis is finally on its way. Immunology, genetics, medicine, neurology, and other fields are starting to overlap more and more, and prominent neuropsychiatrist Nancy C. Andreasen explores one exciting intersection in Read more

Reviews (5)

medication and andreason neuroscientist
As a society we face, is it medicine or out of my house.We have some knowledge of medicine but what we don't have is knowldege of what to do with our nations poor, we need to think about this.Walking is important for people on medications but they don't tell you about this.What they don't tell you is not to drink coffee's etc. Or that many over the counters in general are bad.Our knowledge continues to grow as a society, however, there are many things we don't know.Nancy C Andreason gives a good review of things, and a well rounded perspective of things in her Brave New Brain.I am interested in also her genetics research as well.I believe the NAMI which she has mentioned is not the best helping organization though, and there is not much outside support or resources to help disabeled people which I think we need more of, when they don't have there families anymore.We need to think about how we are going to house homeless etc.

Liberating Book of Facts
Having experienced schizophrenia firsthand in my immediate family beginning in the 1950s, I was interested in seeing what medical explanations are being explored and what progress has been made regarding this devastating illness. This book beautifully presents necessary background data on brain function and on basic chemistry and genetics, and then gives lucidly presented information about new strategies and treatments. Various fields of medicine, genetics, and chemistry are coming together to present the real albeit complex picture of what these awful illnesses are about and how we can work to live with them or overcome them. Mental illness must be liberated from individual guilt, shame, and social stigma, which are still very strong in human society. Only knowledge of the facts can free us from these crippling attitudes, and this terrific book goes a long way to help. The author's PhD in literature also adds a humanistic touch to a scientific work, which I deeply appreciated.
An Excellent Overview of the Genetics of Mental Illness
Nancy Andreasen is one of the top researchers in the field of Schizophrenia so is a good person to write this book.This is a very good book on the underlying causes of schizophrenia and other brain diseases and prospects better treatments and cures based on this knowledge.Great reading for a person who wants a better understanding of how the genetics revolution is impacting our knowledge of mental illness.Writen for a layman with some background or interest in science and biology. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography/Autobiography    3. Genetic aspects    4. Human Genetics    5. Human genome    6. Life Sciences - Genetics & Genomics    7. Mental Disorders    8. Mental Illness    9. Neuropsychology    10. Psychology    11. Scientists - General    12. Medical / Mental Health    13. Medicine | Psychiatry & Psychology    14. Popular science    15. Psychiatry   

Editorial Review

Over the centuries, doctors have tried countless therapies to battle mental illness--from shock therapy to drilling holes in the head--and have had little success. In Read more

Reviews (11)

The healing prayers in this book have cured my narcolepsy
I thank God for this book and for Dr Modi's groundbreaking work.
Attachments of Darkness are real, and can be removed
This book looks at attachments of darkness, spirits, and how they suppress the body and mind. There is good and powerful information here. I have read many books on the subject, and have been trying to fit in where alternative medicine and these "things" that I know fit together. If you want to go even further, about where these things come from, and more precise methods to "dis-attach" them, pick up Dr. Snow's book on alternative medicine, hands on healing and prayer power, called The Power of Divine, a Healer's Guide on Miracles. The changes that occur often include "undiagnosisable" medical and emotional problems disappearing. Lives change because of this information, and it changed mine. Read these books!

Attachments of Darkness are real, and can be removed.
This book looks at attachments of darkness, spirits, and how they suppress the body and mind. There is good and powerful information here. I have read many books on the subject, and have been trying to fit in where alternative medicine and these "things" that I know fit together. If you want to go even further, about where these things come from, and more precise methods to "dis-attach" them, pick up Dr. Snow's book on alternative medicine, hands on healing and prayer power, called The Power of Divine, a Healer's Guide on Miracles. The changes that occur often include "undiagnosisable" medical and emotional problems disappearing. Lives change because of this information, and it changed mine. Read these books! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Healing - General    2. Mental Health    3. Mental Illness    4. Mental healing    5. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    6. Parapsychology - General    7. Psychology    8. Reincarnation therapy    9. Spirit possession    10. Complementary Medicine    11. Psychotherapy    12. Jane   

Subjects:  1. Compulsive gambling    2. Handbooks, manuals, etc    3. Mental Illness    4. Psychology    5. Psychopathology - Addiction    6. Psychotherapy    7. Psychotherapy - Counseling    8. Psychotherapy - Couples & Family    9. Social Deviance    10. Treatment    11. Clinical psychology    12. Gambling addiction    13. Psychology & Psychiatry / Clinical Psychology   

Subjects:  1. Adolescent Psychiatry    2. Clinical Psychology    3. Handbooks, manuals, etc    4. Juvenile delinquents    5. Medical    6. Mental Illness    7. Mental health    8. Mental health services    9. Planning    10. Practice Management    11. Psychiatry - Child & Adolescent    12. Psychology    13. Psychology Of Juvenile Delinquency    14. Psychopathology - Compulsive Behavior    15. Treatment    16. Adolescents    17. English legal system: criminal procedure    18. Juvenile offenders    19. Prisons    20. Psychology & Psychiatry / Psychotherapy   

Reviews (6)

Is MPD real?
Weell, Dr. Putnam "confirmed" a diagnosis of MPD on me in the '80's through his "brain-wave tests".Many painful years later, I realized the "MPD" had been created by the desire to please a "therapist" who wanted a multiple to rival Truddi Chase. INFORMATIVE AND HELPFUL -- GREAT BOOK!
This is a wonderfully written book on MPD. I consider Dr. Putnam and Dr. Ross to be wonderful resources for information (although I do have a bit of disagreement with Dr. Ross on his views about memories). Validating and Helpful
This book helped us to understand ourselves better. We read this book in search of things that we could relate to that might be similar to our own experiences. It speaks of signs and characteristics that multiples display that we found very much the same as our own life. Really helped in our acceptance of the diagnosis. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Mental Illness    2. Multiple personality    3. Multiple-Personality Disorder    4. Personality    5. Personality Disorders    6. Psychiatry - General    7. Psychology    8. Psychopathology - Compulsive Behavior    9. diagnosis    10. therapy    11. Clinical psychology    12. Psychology & Psychiatry / Clinical Psychology   

Reviews (17)

Not For Everyone
I am a cutter. People should know that this book cannot be the only thing that helps them stop their behavior. A behavior that is so much a part of them can only be changed through counseling, love, support, and the actual desire to change. This help might be an EXTRA help in ADDITION TO therapy for some people, but for most, this is a load of bull. Another thing is that this book and therapy and stuff is only going to work on someone who is ready to stop their behavior. This book should have been more about comforting and supporting self-injurers instead of judging them for a behavior they cannot help. I don't see what is wrong with injuring yourself in order to feel calmer and happier. Even if you do want to stop cutting, this book is no where NEAR the amount of help a person needs to stop a behavior so necassary to their very survival. What a self-injurer needs is a trained and licensed proffessional, not some book they found in the bargain bin.

Cutting
This is basically a self-help book. I think it might be a little too scary for a young person just doing a little mild cutting, because it describes some severe chronic cases.It might not be of much help to a professional dealing with a severely mentally retarded or autistic self-mutilator.
This is THE book to choose out of the several available
This book is appropriate for teens and adult. It is sensitively and sensibly written, and instead of just being a research or story book, it is loaded with insights, worksheet activities, and relevant anecdotes. It also includes information that is usually overlooked in other books: how to talk to loved ones about self-injury, what therapists and parents should know, how to explain the behavior to people who don't understand, and how to cope with triggers. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Abuse - General    2. General    3. Mental Illness    4. Personal Growth - Self-Esteem    5. Psychology    6. Self-Help    7. Self-injurious behavior    8. Self-mutilation    9. Coping with disability    10. Psychiatry    11. Psychotherapy   

Reviews (6)

Insightful, powerful, and moving read
This book is a much-needed addition to understanding the experiential side of mental illness.It honestly and movingly explores what it is like to be in the grip of mental anguish, and the emotional, relational, and spritual dilemmas and questions that brings.It's written from a Christian perspective, but would be helpful not only for anyone who suffers from mental illness themselves, or who loves someone who does, but also for anyone who desires thoughtful reflection on the meaning of suffering.Highly recommended.

Finally, A Biblically Sound Approach
This book was a very helpful resource. The author is honest about the struggles and pain but accurately describes the true hope (as for all Christians who suffer) in the character of God as revealed in the Bible. I will recommend it to others and use it as a reference as I teachand lead small groups and support groups for those dealing with depression and mental illness.

If Only There Were More
This book provides a deeply moving account of the author's own struggle with mental illness. Indeed, any reader who has known such a struggle will find great resonace in the author's description of the pain that made her echo the Psalmist's cry that "Darkness is my only companion." One can add that those who have fought such battles for themselves owe the author a great debt of gratitude for baring her soul in such a misunderstood and stigmatized area. One can only imagine how difficult it must have been to write.The quotations, especially from Scripture, sprinkled throught throughout the book are consistently apt and moving, and the practical advice provided at the end, though in some respects already outdated, is probably the best now available.
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Subjects:  1. Christianity    2. Christianity - Christian Life - General    3. Christianity - Christian Life - Suffering & Grief    4. Mental Disorders    5. Mental Illness    6. Mentally ill    7. Psychology Of Religion    8. Religion    9. Religion - Christian Life    10. Religious aspects    11. Religious life    12. Spirituality - General    13. Psychology/Counseling, Theology: General Studies/Reference, Theology: Systematic Theology: Anthropology, Spirituality    14. Religion / Spirituality   

Subjects:  1. Depression    2. Depression, Mental    3. Mental Depression    4. Mental Health    5. Mental Illness    6. Patient Care Planning    7. Problems and Exercises    8. Psychology    9. Psychopathology - Compulsive Behavior    10. Psychotherapy    11. Psychotherapy - General    12. Treatment    13. therapy    14. Clinical psychology    15. Psychology & Psychiatry / Psychotherapy   

Reviews (5)

Dr. Chu
Although I haven't read this book yet I want to add that I had a brief session with Dr. Chu this month and was impressed with his compassion and sensitivity.He was warm and friendly and very clearly did what he could to help me feel comfortable in such an uncomfortable situtation.He serves as a consultant to the program I was in and that's how I was able to meet with him.And I am very glad that he was able to give his input to my treatmant team.

Good for therapists and patients
I thought the book was rather comprehensive, but I noticed about one page on ritual abuse including satanic ritual abuse. That, and the fact that his program only caters to females are my main objections. I also agree with one of the other reviewers about the author who has no compassion yet writes a book seemingly with compassion. I know this due to inquiring about his program twice. He is now an administrator who no longer does direct therapy and that is perhaps the main reason he wrote his book (for promotion and pay).

A clear and concise synthesis
After seeing Dr. James Chu on video, and being- for the most part- impressed with his sensitive and astute nature, I decided to read his book.Any therapist or psychiatrist, especially those who are beginning to work with clients who have trauma histories, as well as any client who can meaningfully make use of insights (sometimes difficult ones) can find value in Dr. Chu's careful and detailed work. This is a rather simplistic summary: Dr. Chu covers the structure of treatment, boundaries, session frequency, managing the disempowered client, as well as the many presentations and complexities of dissociative disorders and post traumatic behaviors such as transference, self inflicted violence, regression, and intolerable internal conflict- among others. Bringing his work to full vividness are the relevant clinical case examples liberally included. With great skill, Dr. Chu adeptly discusses cases that may appear to be dissociative disorders but, in fact, are not.Dr. Chu's engaging and accessible writing style and attention to the many complexities and nuances of the dynamics of treatment are extremely helpful, especially in the context of current societal black and white thinking. A brilliant crystallization of the issues surrounding the validity of memory is included in the book.Dr. Chu covers recent neurological evidence as well as implicit and explicit memory. He advises caution, although certainly not abdication of the responsibility to be compassionate and supportive. In addition, there is extensive attention paid throughout the book to reenactment of trauma and the various ways reenactment presents itself. Ultimately, Dr. Chu's book contains a quality synthesis of the current understandings of dissociative disorders and indicated treatments- cutting edge.His perspective is resonant with the true meaning and experiences of dissociation. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Child Abuse Victims    2. Clinical Psychology    3. Dissociative disorders    4. Mental Illness    5. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders    6. Post-traumatic stress disorder    7. Psychology    8. Psychopathology - Compulsive Behavior    9. Rehabilitation    10. Treatment    11. Psychiatry    12. Psychology & Psychiatry / Clinical Psychology    13. Psychology-Mental Illness    14. Psychology-Psychopathology - Compulsive Behavior    15. Trauma & shock   

Subjects:  1. Case studies    2. Classification    3. Diagnosis    4. Medical    5. Medical / Nursing    6. Mental Illness    7. Physician & Patient    8. Psychiatry - General    9. Treatment    10. Medical diagnosis    11. Psychiatry   

Reviews (5)

A Backwards Life
Touching, brutal, provocative, and funny, this biography is one of a kind.Masters focuses on a homeless man in the UK and uses reverse chronology to uncover Stuart's "motive" for being homeless.Compelling and very well written.

Heartwarming and heartbreaking
"Stuart: A Life Backwards", the new book by Alexander Masters, deserves every accolade that can be awarded. With a keen writer's eye, a gift for narrative and a friendship that lasted only four years, Masters recounts the life of Stuart Clive Shorter whose untimely death in 2002 inspired this work.
A superb effort by Alexander Masters
I struggled with this book at first, but I'm glad I stuck with it.It's worth the effort.You can almost see the sweat that went into researching and writing 'Stuart.'It's really a fantastic research and assimilation job by Alexander Masters.Though called 'A Life Backwards,' Masters tells us two interwoven tales: you get the flashpoints of Stuart's life told in reverse, and - simultaneously - we get an ongoing, running narrative of the author and subject's current relationship through the course of various events like street protests, doctor's appointments, hospital visits, and random violent flare-ups by the book's protagonist.
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Subjects:  1. 1968-2002    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography And Autobiography    6. Biography/Autobiography    7. Drug addicts    8. General    9. Great Britain    10. Homeless persons    11. Mental Disorders    12. Personal Memoirs    13. Shorter, Stuart,    14. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Reviews (2)

A great book
I recently purchased this book in order to understand the complexity of behavior of certain people. Often times, health professionals make a mistake of targeting only one causative aspect of the problem while either ignoring or not recognizing the other. Ignorance of many psychologists and psychiatrists about dual disorders is due to the rarity of this problem. This book is a must read for both mental health providers and their patients. I also believe that many others will benefit from this book even those who do not show underlying symptoms of this disorder. This book helped me understand the reasons as to why some people seems as if they are not making any effort when they actually are. Excellent reading
This book explores the ways in which family members can understand dual diagnosis. It is helpful for the parent who struggles with kids that have really two troubles (addiction and other mental disorders). Dr. Ortman is concise and offers case studies to explore this issue. I would recommend the book to anyone who is struggling themselves with dual diagnosis or has a loved one who suffers from addiction as well as mental illness.It is easy to read even for a lay person and offers helpful ideas for anyone interested in this issue. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Drug Addiction (Psychiatric Aspects)    2. Dual diagnosis    3. Health/Fitness    4. Mental Disorders    5. Reference    6. Self-Help    7. Substance Abuse & Addictions - Drug Dependence    8. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    9. Coping with drug & alcohol abuse    10. Health & Fitness / Reference    11. Popular medicine    12. Psychiatry    13. Rehabilitation   

Subjects:  1. Diagnosis, Dual (Psychiatry)    2. Dual diagnosis    3. Handbooks, manuals, etc    4. Medical    5. Mental Disorders    6. Mental Health    7. Mental Illness    8. Psychology    9. Psychopathology - Addiction    10. Psychotherapy - General    11. therapy    12. Mental health services   

Subjects:  1. Brain    2. Health/Fitness    3. Mental Disorders    4. Mental Illness    5. Neurology - General    6. Neuropsychiatry    7. Neuropsychology    8. Psychobiology    9. Psychology    10. physiopathology    11. Medical / Nursing / Psychiatric    12. Psychiatric nursing    13. Psychiatry   

Editorial Review

Put sex, drugs, art forgeries, and manic depression into a blender, run it at top speed for 10 minutes, and out pops Read more

Reviews (53)

Excellent chronicle of the spires and valleys of madness
I have manic-depressive illness also and have read many memoirs of those suffering from mental illnesses and by the doctors who try to treat them.Andy Behrman's writing stands out not only for his candor, humour, wit, but also his beautiful prose.
Pretentious
With this book, Andrew Behrman attempts to purge himself of some of his demons. Unfortunately, they do not leave that simply.
Electroboy : A Memoir of Mania
Despite all the bad reviews, I liked this book very much. I was recently diagnosed with this same disorder and could relate to many of his thoughts. I think Andy Behrman did a good job not only describing his illness,ie.OCD symptoms and narcissism, but can actually poke fun at himself. Having this disorder, I have found that finding a bit of humor can be a saving grace at times. Thank you Andy for a book well done. From one manic to another you wrote a good one depicting the ramble that goes thru our heads. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Literary    5. Mental Illness    6. Personal Memoirs    7. Specific Groups - Special Needs    8. Biography & Autobiography / General   

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   

Reviews (33)

My first thought whilst reading this book?: FINALLY! Some answers
I bought this book in 2002 when I was desperate for help. I have suffered from PMS all of my life and had extreme postpardum depression after giving birth to my child. I thought that I was going crazy until I read this book. Thanks to Dr. Sichel I sought out help and now know how to handle my next pregnancy-it won't be easy, but I will no longer be uninformed and ashamed! Thank you , thank you, thank you! You described exactly what I was going through.

A BOOK EVERY WOMAN SHOULD READ
This is a beautiful book that every woman should read.It deals with women's moods from the onset of menstruation to menopause.PMS, PMDD, PPD and Menopause.The NURSE program designed to help women heal from PPD is one I specifically recommend to the mothers in the Postpartum Support Group.This book should be on every woman's shelf, no matter what her age.

Drug Agenda Here
What a sad book! Read the book and you'll notice how she
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Subjects:  1. Health & Fitness    2. Health/Fitness    3. Mental Health    4. Mental Illness    5. Mood (Psychology)    6. Psychology    7. Women    8. Women's Health - General    9. Women's Studies - General    10. Health & Fitness / Women's Health    11. Women's health   

Reviews (11)

Essential for psychology, counseling, and social work major
The "bible" of mental health diagnosis, it is a must have for those pursuing a career in any mental health specialty. Clearly describes the criteria for diagnosis. Provides better understanding of the line between certain mental illness

A TOOL, NOT A NOVEL
The DSM-IV is a necessary tool in mental health care! It is not a coffee table book, nor a novel that one cuddles as they caress a mug of hot cocoa.If you are a professional, a student, or if you work with the mentally ill population in any capacity..this book is a must.The codes are for insurance rating purposes. This same codong is used for all medical conditions... Hardly a bad thing! People want their insurance to pay!It may be regretable that a diagnosis is immediately required in order for healthcare professionals to receive payment.But this is true of all healthcare-- psychiatric or otherwise.This is not a book for the patient.Anyone who works in the mental health arena, knows that this is not a layman's guide to mental health disorders!Anyone who suggests that it can be used in "self-diagnosis" has little understanding of mental illness.You wouldn't give a 5 year old a chainsaw!

ewe, gross!
This manual disenfranchises all that is interesting about human nature.We professionals are all aware it was created for insurance coding, but it has somehow contaminated the less intelligent careerists in our ranks (which is just about all of us), who are susceptible to its suggestion, and we now find ourselves using this caricature tabloid like a map of the psyche itself.This manual is the cause and effect of an anti-intellectual strain of professionalism that has all but replaced scholarship and reflection.If this were the Bible, we would all be guilty of evangelical fundamentalism.When we consider the thousands of professionals (working on task forces and subcommitees) that produced this megillah, a principle from a neighboring behavioral discipline comes to mind, i.e. freedom andintelligence in individuals -- indeed consciousness itself -- is inversely proportional to the size of the group in which they participate.Psychology is all but officially a sham discipline. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Classification    2. Diagnosis    3. Health/Fitness    4. Mental Disorders    5. Mental illness    6. Psychiatric Diagnosis    7. Psychiatry - General    8. Psychology    9. Psychopathology - General    10. Reference   

Reviews (1)

A MUST for ADD Coaches!
This book is an absolute must for EVERY ADD Coach, whether they work with college students or not!Read more

Subjects:  1. Children with Special Needs    2. Consumer Health    3. Diet / Health / Fitness    4. Family & Relationships    5. Family/Marriage    6. General    7. Mental Disorders    8. Mental Illness    9. Health & Fitness / General