Reviews (10)

Excellent - one of the best!
Great book, I've read a lot of books on this topic and especially ones targeted towards young adults.This is another book that I highly recommend because:it's easy to read, it practically speaks to you and you can finish it within afew hours, it's style is appealling to teenagers and young adults.
I wish I had had access to this book
This is a book which is going to help so many people deal with issues and put them to one side before reaching adult hood and meeting a partner. I believe it is a soul saver
The best book outthere!
I am a therapist with a private clinical practice, working primarily with adolescents and women of all ages who are survivors of some form of trauma, including sexual abuse and incest. I have to say, that this is the book I use most, with all ages, including women who are uncovering and dealing with painful abuse memories. Over and over I hear clients proclaim that the book and quotes from other survivors help them not feel so alone and to also understand better what happened to them and to know there is hope. Also, the way in which the author discloses her own incest history and recovery is refreshing and hopeful and establishes a climate of credibility and trust.In my 20 years of clinical practice and training, I have aquired and read $1000's of dollars worth of trauma books and materials and this book sits as one of the top and most frequently used resources. Also, there is a children's book called "BRAVE BART" which has been a wonderful resource for adult survivors as well as children and adolescent survivors.
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Subjects:  1. Abuse - Sexual    2. Child Abuse    3. Clinical Psychology    4. Human Services    5. Incest    6. Incest victims    7. Life Stages - Teenagers    8. Psychological aspects    9. Psychology    10. Rehabilitation    11. Self-Help    12. Services For Youth    13. Sexually abused teenagers    14. United States    15. Psychology & Psychiatry / Pathological Psychology    16. Sexual abuse   

Reviews (4)

The Best Book I Have Read On Narcissism
I am a sufferer of pathological narcissism myself, and this book is hands down the best I have come across to date.The main reason?Dr. Johnson's extensive knowledge of his subject is EMPATHICALLY INFORMED.This adds a entire dimension to his work that is missing in the writings of many so-called experts.It engenders something in a sufferer that is often overlooked by those who consider themselves on the cutting edge of research into pathological narcissism: HOPE.There are no words to describe the value of realistic hope to a narcissistic individual who is working toward characterological transformation. This is a work of quiet competence, a labor of love, and a very fair treatment of a highly polarized subject, based on actual experience with narcissistic clients.Literally, a lifesaver for me.

The Narcissistic Beacon
Pathological narcissism is a pattern of traits and behaviours which signify infatuation and obsession with one's (False) Self to the exclusion of all others and the egotistic and ruthless pursuit of one's gratification, dominance and ambition. The concepts of False Self and Narcissistic Supply are critical for the understanding of narcissistic behaviour patterns. So is the ruthlessness and single-mindedness of the narcissist, addicted to his narcissistic supply, devoid of empathy, deficient in object relations, his immature True Self atrophied and dilapidated. This book is about narcissistic interactions with others, in the context of our (narcissistic) culture. The efficaciousness of the treatment offered is doubtful, the language is sometimes obstruse, the book is tiresomely repetitive. But it is a must on the bookshelf of clinicians, therapists, patients, and their nearest and dearest. Sam Vaknin, author of "Malignant Self Love - Narcissism Revisited".

Yes, you NEED this book!
I completely agree with the earlier review of this book.Yes, it could have been better written.But, it still deserves a solid five stars.This book has a lot to offer you.Read more

Subjects:  1. Mental Illness    2. Narcissism    3. Neuroses    4. Psychology    5. Psychopathology - General    6. Psychotherapy    7. Treatment   

Reviews (10)

Meandering outbursts of anger and bitterness...
While I am glad that Ms. Olsen found the courage to speak out about the effects of severe child abuse, I found this book to be one woman's meandering tyraid against practically everyone and everything in her life, past and present.It was difficult to follow and depressing...and I also have DID.I did not find it the least bit inspiring or encouraging for fellow multiples.Rather, I found it to be written in an almost self-pitying and egocentric manner.
Excellent book
I found this book interesting and easy to read.It is written inflashback style. It offers an insight to the intimate details of a therapy process. The writer is very candid about what caused the trauma. We get the benefit of knowing the journey she took to heal from the horror of her childhood. Helpful and Hopeful.

Highly Recommended!
This book gives incredible insight into the work required by both the therapist and the patient with DID.I cried for the little girls who were so brutally treated and then ignored by those who should protect, and for Sarah and her Alters as they struggled with the aspects of integration and the resulting consequences for each of them.Read more

Subjects:  1. Mental Illness    2. Psychology    3. Psychopathology - General    4. Specific Groups - General    5. Dissociation (Psychology)    6. Multiple personality    7. Post-traumatic stress disorder   

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 (6)

Great Book
The book was in great used condition if that makes any sense....as described!!

Very comprehensive
this book is a great introduction to abnormal psychology. it is very well-organized and easy to read. great use of pictures, drawings, and other visual aids. it is a well-written text by the seminal authors in the field.

For a required textbook..Pretty good
Easy to read & understand. Full of information, and easy to navigate.I had to buy this for an abnormal psych class, and honestly am glad that it wasnt one of those dry boring texts! ... Read more

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

Reviews (4)

Interesting and attempted balance
Origins of Terrorism attempts to both be balanced and discuss the psychologies of terrorists.The chapter by Martha Crenshaw (I recommend reading her book on terrorism rather than just the chapter) presents the opposing view to the chapter by Post.While interesting, the psychology advanced is mostly the "crazy terrorist" psychology.I didn't get much out of the book, except for the first two chapters and chapter 10.Chapter 10, which discusses terrorist motivations, is incredibly useful.The rest of the book is average but unremarkable.

Oversimplified and Biased
This book attempts to account for the root causes of terrorism. However it fails to provide a meticulous analysis of the origins of terrorism. For example, consider the author's analysis of islamic fanaticism. According to Reich, muslim terrorists, driven by an ardent religious conviction, target western modernism as they despise the Western way of life. In support of his assertion, Reich uses quotes from the Quaran which have been taken out of their proper context. Anyone even vaguely familiar with Islam knows that Islam teaches piety, tolerance, empathy and equality before God (please check the Quaran for corroboration of this). Moreover murder is justifiable only in self-defense. Subsequently, claiming that Islamic fundamentalism emerged as a result of an extreme interpretation of the Quaran is preposterous. The author further asserts that Hezbollah uses religion as a justification for its abhorrent atrocities. Trying to explain the underlying motives of Hezbollah's ideology without even taking into account the 22-years long Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon is indicative of poor scholaship and gross oversimplification. In my view it was the Israeli invasion of Lebanon which triggered the emergence of these resistance groups. The real causes of terrorism are Western imperialism, gross economic inequalities, oppression, abject poverty, Western exploitation of the Middle East's enormous oil fields, imposition of Western values and US capitalism, US constant interventions and support for oppressive governments like Saudi-Arabia, Israel etc. These are the root causes and unless we acknowledge them it will be extremely difficult to obliterate terrorism. It is like treating a patient but having a wrong diagnosis. Another disadvantage of this book is the fact that it almost exclusively focuses on Islamic fundamentalism; no account of Jewish and Christian terrorism is given. This seriously undermines the book's purpose and makes it biased. This book does however provide a thorough account of psychological factors which contribute to the rise of terrorism but these are merely of secondary importance. Interesting read but lacks a detailed analysis.

About a year too soon
This informative book covers all aspects of terrorism - the warped psyches driving the murderous events, historical setting, goals, leaders and particularly the religious, ethnic and ideological forces behind terrorism.While 99.99% of all world terrorism has its roots in the Middle East, it has become a worldwide phenomenon.Read more

Subjects:  1. Criminology    2. Political Freedom & Security - International Secur    3. Political Science    4. Political Terrorism    5. Politics/International Relations    6. Psychological aspects    7. Psychology    8. Psychology Of Special Subjects    9. Psychopathology - General    10. Terrorism    11. Terrorists    12. Terrorism, freedom fighters, armed struggle   

Reviews (7)

Helpful and Hopeful
Offering help to borderline personalities and their loved ones long before other popular self help writers, Dr. Heller's book suffers from miserable printing and formatting.It's a shame, because Life at the Border is jam packed with straightforward and valuable overview information.Family Physician and "positive thinker" Dr. Heller places an interesting, optimistic emphasis on the biological causes and cures of BPD (especially limbic brain disorders) (while not neglecting the full spectrum of causes and treatments, including supportive alternative treatments).He mentions in passing that he will be writing a book on coping with borderline personalities and for those who need to deal with the trauma of having lived with a borderline; his unique contribution in that area is long overdue.He writes in conclusion to the borderline personality:"Find a therapist and get the help you need.Then read as many positive, mentally healthy books as you can and as often as you can -- it will make a difference.Listen to motivational tapes every day, and retrain your brain with positive, healthy affirmations.Make peace with God and your spirituality.If possible, make peace with your loved ones.Most of all, make peace with the most important person in the world -- the one in the mirror.He/she needs and deserves to be forgiven."Dated and badly in need of a completely revised version, but still very valuable.

LELAND!!.. The ANTIDOTE for the Misunderstanding of BPD.
When I was first diagnosed with Dyslimbia, (the appropriate and correct term for BPD) I took on the perception that it meant I could never be treated effectively. I would never be emotionally well, and that my condition was one that no one looked forward to treating a patient for. Dr. Heller's book was quick to dispel that myth in my mind. I couldn't put this book down...
As a sufferer of BPD, my attention span is not great. ButRead more

Subjects:  1. General    2. Mental Illness    3. Psychology    4. Psychopathology - General    5. Self-Help    6. Coping with personal problems    7. Self-Help & Practical Interests   

Editorial Review

"Dr. Bill" Sears, author of Read more

Reviews (16)

Best one out there!
After reading almost all the ADD books out there, I turned to this one.I admit that many times I find Dr Sears to be a bit too permissible and touchy-feely.I was very surpised and pleased with this book!His approach to ADD as being more of an issue of trying to fit children into "one-size-fits-all" places in the classroom makes sense.After reading this book I felt that my children are just less mature and developed in some areas of their development.I felt that I could address their problems, and he offers many different approaches.Read this book!

Excellent book for the newest ADHD approaches
Of the many, many books I have read on ADD, this is by far my favorite. If you want to be educated on the topic for your child's best interest, this is the best place to start. There is no pressure to feel you should be giving your child Ritalin. There are so many positive alternatives and approaches that work. For example it really explains neurofeedback, which does work, I have been using this approach for my daughter with excellent results, no drugs!! It has become my significant bedtime reading.

Neurotherapy works
I didn't find this book until my son was a junior in high school.He was not a behavior problem and his IQ was above average but he just had trouble with listening and focusing.He was nearly failing all his classes at the time and was very upset because he truly wanted to do well.Ireviewed the neurotherapy section of the book and decided to give it a try.He did the sessions over the summer and it made all the difference in school.He had good grades his senior year and now has a full academic scholarship in college.He is happy and proud of himself.This book helped me understand him better and gave me options.This book helped me help him.I highly recommend it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Attention-deficit hyperactivit    2. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder    3. Child Care/Parenting    4. Child rearing    5. Children with Special Needs    6. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    7. Parenting    8. Parenting - Hyperactivity    9. Popular works    10. Psychology    11. Psychopathology - General    12. Special Education - Learning Disabled    13. Child care & upbringing    14. Medical / General   

Subjects:  1. Anxiety in children    2. Clinical Child Psychology    3. Clinical Psychology    4. Medical    5. Mood Disorders    6. Phobias in children    7. Psychology    8. Psychoneuroses    9. Psychopathology - General    10. Psychotherapy - Child & Adolescent    11. Paediatric medicine    12. Psychiatry    13. Psychology & Psychiatry / Clinical Psychology    14. Psychology | Clinical   

Subjects:  1. Diagnosis    2. Dual diagnosis    3. Handbooks    4. Handbooks, manuals, etc    5. Medical / Nursing    6. Mental Disorders    7. Planning    8. Practice Management    9. Psychology    10. Psychopathology - Addiction    11. Psychopathology - General    12. Psychotherapy - General    13. Treatment    14. Addiction & therapy    15. Psychiatry    16. Psychology & Psychiatry / Addictions   

Reviews (5)

A Social Disorder
A Social Disorder A lucid and comprehensive study of deviant behavior!
Antisocial behavior is an extraordinarily well-written book. It reveals the psychological nature of the psychopaths. Moreover, Wolman makes an attempt to explain what factors give rise to antisocial behavior. Admittedly, he does this very well. Psychopaths are described as being indifferent, cunning, immoral, impulsive and insidious individuals. What is more, they usually show no signs of remorse for their gruesome deeds. The implication here is that they totally lack compassion for their fellow beings. Wolman unveils that psychopaths are narcissistic individuals; they have a tendency to think that they are entitled to other people's things and that they deserve to be loved. The above mentioned traits are thought to be characteristic of highly maladaptive individuals. However, Wolman also points to environmental determinants as possible causes of deviant behavior. Parents and teachers can sometimes contribute to the rise of antisocial and sociopathic behavior. Wolman emphasizes that hyper-permissive parents do not teach their children the importance of morality and consequently their children will fail to distinguish right from wrong. According to Wolman, the primary purpose of morality is to inhibit inborn instincts and impulses. Furthermore, the way that parents rear their children can be crucial. Parental rejection can adversely affect their children's self-confidence and self-reliance. Undeniably, these children will feel neglected and unwanted if their parents are not affectionate and considerate. Needless to say, abusive parents foster deviant behavior in myriad ways. Children of abusive parents are usually very aggressive, hostile and tend to hate their parents. These children cannot however behave aggressively toward their parents as they fear that they might retaliate. Instead, they behave aggressively toward weak people who are unable to fight back. In conclusion, I highly recommend this book to all students of psychology. It is very interesting and informative.

Best book on psychopathy I've read yet
Dr. Wolman hits the nail on the head.
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Subjects:  1. Aggressiveness    2. Antisocial personality disorde    3. Antisocial personality disorders    4. Deviant behavior    5. General    6. Psychology    7. Psychopathology - General    8. Social Psychology    9. Social problems    10. Neurology & clinical neurophysiology   

Reviews (2)

My OCD Bible
When I began intensive treatment for my OCD, my therapist told me I had to read this book before we started the treatment, ERP.That was the best thing she could have ever done.I knew little about OCD over all and absolutley nothing about CBT or ERP.This book explained all that to me in a very easy to understand way. It is a great first book on OCD and OCD treatment to begin with, like OCD 101. Once I started it, I couldn't put it down.There isn't hardly a page in the book that isn't underlined, highlighted, or written in the margins.This book was truly my OCD Bible.It is an excellent book to start with, for learning all the basics and without a doubt, I did so much better in treatment because I read this book and understood what the treatment was and why it works.I also heard Gail Steketee speak at the National OC Conference and got to talk with her as well.She is an extremely knowledgeable in the field and very down to earth.

Practical, informative and useful.
This book can be very helpful for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) sufferers, their loved ones and therapists.It gives examples, defines OCD (as well as, other disorders) and shows a person what they can do to helpthemselves or others with OCD.This book is written in a way that is easyfor anyone to understand, not just therapists.It gives people with OCDthe information they need to better understand the disorder and helps themfigure out what is the best way for them to cope with it.This book isinteresting and a useful guide for anyone who must deal with OCD on a dailybasis.The only thing I would have liked to have seen would be moreexpanded definitions of some of the different actions and thoughts seen inOCD patients. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Behavior therapy    2. Obsessive-compulsive disorder    3. Popular works    4. Psychology    5. Psychopathology - Compulsive Behavior    6. Psychopathology - General    7. Self-Help    8. Coping with personal problems   

Subjects:  1. Health/Fitness    2. Mental Illness    3. Psychology    4. Psychopathology - General    5. Reference    6. Psychiatry    7. Psychology & Psychiatry / Clinical Psychology    8. Reference works   

Reviews (3)

A prequel to the Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide?
This book preceded Miklowitz's very popular "Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide".The question then arises: should you buy this book as well?I think the answer is yes.This book puts forth the family-focused treatment approach, and in doing so supplements the information in the "Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide", which is more so directly about patients suffering from the disorder. Furthermore, this book is very well written and organized, and focuses upon a perhaps underappreciated means for treating the illness.Avery Z. Conner, author of "Fevers of the Mind".

Excellent reference, effective approach
Overall excellent reference for the background, progress, and prospects for bipolar disorder and its sufferers.As the book points out, along with appropriate medications, family support is critical to a favorable disease course.Education of the patient and family is the cornerstone of episodic recovery and the prevention of relapses (as much as is possible), and this book provides excellent, useful summary information as well as proven approaches for resolving difficult issues.Many of the tools described in the book such as active listening and basic problem solving skills have wide application beyond the FFT approach.Their application to bipolar patients and their families, though, requires great delicacy at times, and the authors provide helpful insights through actual clinical examples.Each bipolar case and family is different, and there are no universal cookie-cutter answers, but combined with recent pharmacological advances, this proposed approach provides the best hope for a favorable course. EXCELLENT
This is an excellent informational book for those who have bipolar disorder and their families.The book is designed to be used by mental health care professionals, and I most certainly encourage them to purchasethis book for a family treatment plan that will benefit their clients andthe client's family. The approach of the therapy takes the entire familyinto consideration.It is not just the individual with bipolar that goesthrough the trauma, but the entire family.The therapy educates thepatient and the family as to the disorder and its' attributes, gives thefamily ways of coping with the disorder and hospitalization, works onmedicinal compliance, and prepares the client and the family for any futureepisodes.Most importantly, it improves the communication of the familywhich leads to a healthier environment for the client as well as thefamily.This book is a definite must have for mental health care providersas well as clients and their families.Excellent Job Dr. Miklowitz.Bythe way, I have bipolar disorder and am a graduate student studying AgencyCounseling Education.I have every intention of using the methods in thisbook for my clients and myself.Well Worth The Money!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Emotions    2. Family counseling    3. Manic-depressive illness    4. Mental Disorders    5. Psychology    6. Psychopathology - Compulsive Behavior    7. Psychopathology - General    8. Psychotherapy - Couples & Family    9. Treatment    10. Psychology & Psychiatry / Clinical Psychology    11. Psychotherapy   

Reviews (4)

abnormal psychology
This book is good.It is interesting, well organized, and is punctuated with good case studies, modern issues, pictures, and graphs.

it was ok
it came, but wasn't the same quality as i expected it to be. it came a little slow too. however, it was in good condition.

exactly as described
The book was exactly as described, and brand new. It has helped me very much in my classes and i'm so glad I could find it somewhere other than the expensive bookstore. Thanks ... Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. Medical    3. Psychology    4. Psychology, Pathological    5. Abnormal psychology   

Subjects:  1. Asperger's syndrome    2. Autism    3. Children with Special Needs    4. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    5. Health & Fitness    6. Health/Fitness    7. Life Stages - Adolescence - Sexuality    8. Sexuality    9. Abnormal psychology    10. Coping with disability    11. Human reproduction, growth & development    12. Popular medicine    13. Sex & sexuality   

Subjects:  1. Adoescent Behavior    2. Adolescent Psychiatry    3. Adolescent psychopathology    4. Mental Disorders    5. Pathological Psychology    6. Psychiatry - Child & Adolescent    7. Psychology    8. Psychopathology - General    9. in adolescence    10. Clinical psychology    11. Paediatric medicine    12. Psychiatry    13. Psychology & Psychiatry / Pathological Psychology   

Reviews (5)

great textbook
I studied under this guy. He's a genius and also a great human being. Personally I would recommend reading the sources themselves.

terrible for independent study
Though this book does present all the necessary information for learning about abnormal psychology, it's the dryest, most aesthetically difficult to read textbook... especially if you happen to be studying the material online/through independent study.The publisher needs to redesign the book and/or you need to have a better online course professor. It feels nearly impossible to be interested in this material (which is interesting in itself) if you have to read the textbook front to back on your own without any instruction.

This is a great book...
This is a great book if you have the right teacher. The book is very informative yet if you have no back ground in abnormal psych you might want to make sure the teacher for your course is capable of explaining it to you. I also recomend that you make sure your copy has a CD rom. The study guide and website are great tools too. They help a lot. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Health/Fitness    2. Medical / Nursing    3. Mental Health   

Reviews (26)

A great book for someone who has lost a spouse.
In some chapters, I thought the author was talking about me.It was right on target for what I needed.My wife of 7+ years died of Lymphoma. The topics covered in this book answered many questions I had.I would recommend it for anyone dealing with the loss of a spouse.

Not Particularly Helpful
It's hard to describe my impression of this book.The only word that seems close is "shallow".The author covers a massive scope, treating all sorts of potential sources of grief, in all sorts of conditions.
This book helped so much!
This was given to me when my husband died.I was 29 years old and alone with two little girls.I was lost!This book made me feel better about how I was feeling.It helped me to understand that there are others out there in my situation and the feelings I was having were "normal" fora grieving person.There were so many statements from the book that hit the nail on the head.Since then, I have purchased several copies of the book and I give it to people who find themselves young and widowed.It doesn't tell you how to grieve, it just helps you know you are ok and not going crazy. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bereavement    2. Death    3. Death, Grief, Bereavement    4. Grief    5. Personal Growth - Memory Improvement    6. Psychological aspects    7. Psychology    8. Psychopathology - General    9. Self-Help    10. Widowhood    11. Family & Relationships / Death, Grief, Bereavement   

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