A truly valuable contribution to the neuroscience and mental health research literature
926642
"A truly valuable contribution to the neuroscience and mental health research literature. It is a formidable task to cogently explain underlying mechanisms of brain function and the neurobiology of psychiatric disorders; however Dr. Pliszka's book delivers in being both replete with citations while being written in a very engaging style. His articulate explanation of the role of catecholamines in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is just one of many noteworthy examples. This book should be a required psychopathology text for all mental health clinicians-in-training."--David R. DeLorenzo, PhD, Private Practice
57450
I am highly impressed from the hard work Keane and Eysenck have done, making the chaos of cognitive psychology clear once and for all. It's a huge area, and they've managed to organize it into chapters, sub-chapters and section. Each section is parted to "theory", "evidence" and "evaluation", so that there is no way you're going to miss what exactly you're reading about. They've managed to grasp, so I believe, all of the important topics of cognitive psychology, finely explaining the distinctions between the different methodologies used by researches in the field. There is a "further reading" list at the end of every chapter, which is very useful.
Highly recommended for undergraduates like myself and everyone interested in the area.

Alas, the book misses the cognitive research of emotions with the boring chapter 15, which simply doesn't get to the important point of that amazing topic. Additionally, the chapters about language didn't involve relevant studies from the area of generative linguistics, which lowered its effectiveness.
2662751
It is a shame that this book is out of print. It is an excellent book for those interested in or going into neuroscience to read. Over the past ten years which were named the Decade of the Brain, there have been significant  arguments into whether the brain acts like a computer with parallel  processing, or whether it performs its functions in separate modules which  talk with other modules while doing so. Distributed processing and a  combination of all of these ideas is also being discussed or argued  depending on who is doing it at the Society for Neuroscience!
The point  is, while much has been learned about the brain, we still have a long way  to go. Restak is aware of this, and is very good about giving credit to  those in the past who made very educated guesses about what the brain and  mind consist of. Restak is another of our good science writers and his area  tends to stick with topics concerning the brain. I don't always agree with  his arguments, but he presents them well and of course, I am always  fascinated by the descriptions of the patients he has seen. I hope he  continues to write for us, and that a publisher will put this book out in  paperback for a new generation of up and coming neuroscientists and  educators to read. It is just as important for educators to know about the  brain as it is for doctors because they are the ones who help to wire or  rewire the brain, and they can either do great good, or great harm  depending upon their teaching methods and their attitudes towards others.  Karen Sadler Science Education, University of Pittsburgh
3513729
In this work, J. B. Rhine explores the various research done (at the time of the initial writing) on extra-sensory perception and concludes that there is such a thing.

The work is important because it is cited by a wide range of others including Dr Carl Jung in "Synchronicity."  Most other reasonably respectable research into similar topics has been derivative of Rhines.

Anyone interested in this field either to debunk or advocate it should read this work. Highly recommended.
3177842
Beauchaine and Hinshaw have gathered a vast constellation of information about every aspect of developmental psychopathology(DSM based)and put it together into one large comprehensive one-stop volume. This second edition of this text attempts to emphasize multilevel analysis that is centered on the interaction between biological susceptibilities and environmental risk factors.
Assuming that psychiatry is not a pseudo-science, and the DSM is not a fraud designed to diagnose everyone, only then that Beauchaine and Hinshaw's volume might make a useful reference for students, researchers, and mental health workers.
493353
This really is an outstanding piece of work. The author is both a psychiatrist and a lawyer who argues, quite rightly, that many of our assumptions about free will and individual responsibility must be drastically revised in the light of scientific discoveries about the brain.

This is part of a larger debate that is going on within psychiatry, psychology and the legal profession. As an example, at what age should a young person be able to drive a car or be legally liable for their decisions? The driving question comes up because the brain and nervous system of a fifteen-year-old is still far from being fully mature, and may lead to poor coordination and decision-making. Can an eighteen-year-old be held liable for his or her behavior, at a time that his or her brain is not fully formed? Yet he or she is able to fight for his or her country. Our answers to those questions are likely to be a mixture of political positions and personal experience. But now we also have to factor in our burgeoning knowledge about the brain. There seems no doubt that this explosion of knowledge about the brain will be factored into some future legal decisions.

In Tancredi's book, he applies knowledge derived from recent research to such traditional moral concerns as violence, sexual infidelity, lying and physical "excess." For anybody working in the field, it is very clear that hormones, nutritional status, drugs, genetic abnormalities, injuries and traumatic experiences all have profound effects on the structure and functioning of the brain. Therefore they may all have an impact on our moral choices. Some experimental work implies that our actions are initiated by pre-conscious and unconscious processes in the brain before we are consciously aware of them. Does that mean that our sense of moral agency is a retrospective illusion? And what about free will?? Is that an illusion too?

I very much like this book, and also the recent book by Michael Gazzaniga, entitled The Ethical Brain. But for all the research, we remain bewilderingly complex creatures, and there is evidence for the existence of systems - for instance  social systems - that can interact with and over-ride some of the neurological ones. So even after reading and studying hundreds of books and scientific papers and talking to hundreds of scientists around the world, I remain convinced that free will is not an illusion, and that there really is a genuine morality which is a great deal more than the firing of neurons in the brain.

Highly recommended.
2636133
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph. D.

This is an outstanding book for a large number of reasons.  The first and most obvious reason is that it is well written.  The 222 pages of text information pass by in a moment for the precise reasons that you become involved in the book, the information is essential and important, the book is well-organized, but especially because it is an easy, comfortable read.

Second, there are thirteen pages of excellent notes.  Friedman and Martin are researchers of the utmost credibility and reputation, and their notes reveal not just their expertise but, too, their desire to footnote (or credit) all sources they consulted.  I feel that if readers can refer to such a complete set of references or notations (even if they choose not to!), not only does this add to the trustworthiness of the authors, but, too, to the believability, reliability, and dependability of the information.

Third, is a feature I included in an early edition of my textbook, COMMUNICATING EFFECTIVELY, 10th ed. (McGraw-Hill, 2012), and have continued throughout all editions since (by popular demand) -- self-assessment scales with simple-to-understand explanations about how to score each of the quizzes.  Now, you may think these quizzes are valuable for readers simply because they provide a way for them to measure how they rate on the chapter's topic of concern.  That is one issue.  More important for me, however, is how each of the self-assessment quizzes breaks down the topic into specific, practical, applicable items.  For example, on the "neuroticism" quiz, you get ten items that cover such things as being affected by praise or blame, feeling miserable, being touchy on certain topics, being bothered by useless thoughts or burdened by a sense of remorse or regret, worry over humiliating experiences, feeling happy or sad, getting your feelings easily hurt, moodiness, and emotionality (pp. 42-43).  You learn that that is how neuroticism is defined.

Fourth, I liked the findings of THE LONGEVITY PROJECT, and using the "eyeball test," I found they offered some valuable and worthwhile insights.  For example, it has always been thought that your level of education was a good predictor of later health and longevity.  Yes, this was a factor; however, "it was not an important factor compared to other personal and social predictors of health and long life" (p. 75).  Conscientiousness, discussed in the first chapter of the book, and persistence were of greater importance.  These are the kind of people "who were better able and better motivated to navigate life's personal and social challenges" (p. 75).  This is just one of many examples. (There are 15 chapters in the book plus an epilogue.)

Fifth, the authors end each of their chapters with a section, "What It Means for You: Guideposts to Health and Long Life."  If there is any thought that this book is just a series of reports about research results, these sections should dispel that notion.  They serve various functions.  They often review the material of the chapter; they sometimes offer a transition to the next chapter; they may examine some unanswered questions or areas where more research is needed.  I found their most important function, however, is the  motivation they offer readers for their pursuit of the trait or characteristic under discussion.  I thought this was a brilliant and useful way to end the chapters.

Sixth, let me group a number of items here.  I liked the short sections, the personal stories that enliven the research, the way research is incorporated, how the authors were able to relate their findings to other studies by researchers, and the manner in which Friedman and Martin came to definite and precise conclusions when they could.

Everyone will find something of value in this book.  For me, it was the total package.  This is an incredibly valuable and worthwhile book with great, relevant suggestions for living a longer, more vibrant, healthy life.
209427
This book offers a fascinating, informative and non-judgmental exploration of two interrelated questions: (1) Why are some people relatively altruistic and others less so? (2) How does our attitude towards others affect our own emotional well-being and physical health?

Graham Music addresses these questions by elucidating the interactions between our childhood experiences, social world, cultural environment and evolutionary heritage.  As part of that endeavor he interweaves a wealth of research from fields as diverse as attachment theory, interpersonal neurobiology, endocrinology, social and moral psychology, game theory, primatology and evolutionary anthropology.  Particularly impressive is the way that Music makes this research accessible and engaging, without glossing over the contradictions and subtleties of our complex nature.

I thoroughly recommend this book to anybody who is interested in what makes us who we are, as well as to all those who are concerned with fostering well-being.
2683540
This is well-written, very informative, and very engaging book in the human brain. You might think it could be boring or trite, but it's not. Someone like me coming from non-medical background felt this book delivered its materials in an informative and engaging way. It brought crucial research results that never been discussed heavily on media about the hidden benefits of aerobic exercise that pharmaceutical never wanted you to know about. The author explained clearly lots of anecdotes supported by scientific research papers from Japan to America, and from South Africa to Sweden. I highly recommend this book if you have any aspects of depression, anger, boredom, anxiety, loneliness, or even worries. I barely praise books and this one made it.
1885322
This book provides a valuable contribution to the psychiatric literature by translating Linehan's techniques for distress tolerance, emotion regulation, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness into a clear and concise format.  It can be used as both a self-help manual and a clinical reference for psychotherapists integrating DBT into their practice.  It is an important addition to the growing body of manuals aimed at decreasing the psychological suffering of individuals coping with highly distressing emotions, thinking patterns, and behaviors.
439692
I read Dr. Chandler's book with more enthusiasm than I think he would imagine anyone would have about his book.  The reason I say that is that it seems like Dr. Chandler's book is not getting the attention it truly deserves.

In fact, even though I have read somewhere around 35,000 pages of book and research literature in the last two years for the purpose of compiling my book on the latest data, hypotheses, and understanding of the science of ADD (I don't call it ADHD, or, for that matter, a "disorder"), I did *not* run across Dr. Chandler's book until just about a week ago (12/21/2011).

I say this without any hesitation -- Dr. Chandler's book is much better than what the editorial reviewers say it is.  It is a very well-organized, detailed, and highly-scientific (logical, rational, and quite unbiased) account of the understanding of ADHD as of its publication date.  It includes data from research published as late as late 2010.  For me, it was a page turner, mostly because Dr. Chandler and I are very much on the same page with respect to the major cause of the downsides of the ADD brain -- low working memory and operations related to that low working memory, which is clearly either dopamine and norepinephrine dependent or highly-influenced by deficient dopamine and norepinephrine functions.

Although Dr. Chandler does not specifically offer a hypothesis about the "upside" or "evolutionary advantages" of the ADD brain, he does put together one of the best discussions I have seen about the different hypotheses that have been offered up in that regard.  He also does an absolutely excellent dissection and analysis of the research and conclusions related to the deficient-behaviorial-inhibition hypothesis for some of the "classic" ADD behaviors.  In that regard, up to its publication date in early 2011, this book is truly one of the best, if not the best, of books to have substantially covered the full range of scientific findings related to ADHD causes, types, and treatments in a succinct and straightforward manner.

Although the subtitle of the book is "A Guide for Parents and Professionals," the book is, by all means, clearly scientific and could be a challenge for some parents.  However, if you invest the time to understand what Dr. Chandler writes about, you will discover and learn very much, not only about ADHD, but also about science and the scientific (fact-finding) process.  Dr. Chandler's objectivity in his discussions is truly admirable.  The book contains an excellent glossary and extensive end-notes (1288).

I highly recommend this book.
3559549
This book is by far the finest scientifically based presentation of the gross through to the subtle symptoms of the ADHD disorder and the devastating effect they have upon both the partners alone and in relationship. The importance of this information cannot be underestimated as it provides the keys for the ADHD partner to understand how the disorder is far more than losing their keys, forgetting things and being disorganised and how the ADHD symptomatology profoundly impacts the non ADHD partner. Gina Pera through her deep understanding, insight and compassion combined with her objective scientific approach to the data provides an opportunity for change, a way forward, an awareness of the dangers on the journey and through an understanding of ADHD, real concrete hope for a better life, a better relationship.

After my diagnosis of ADHD I had to work not only on ways to manage the myriad of issues created by the ADHD disorder but come to terms that these issues had left my wife feeling, isolated, alone, misunderstood and feeling that she was insane. The damage to my non ADHD wife was enormous and this book, through the stories of the non ADHD partners, for the first time, validated her feelings. She was finally not alone. Whilst I was seen as Mr Affable Nice Guy and she The Bitch from Hell by the outside world, through this book, finally we understood what was happening in our relationship and was provided the tools for change, the understanding for empathy for each other and the way to the wonderful, beautiful marriage that we have now. Thank you Gina.
722590
David Linden is a Professor of Neuroscience, and this is is second book attempting to bring the latest knowledge to the general public on our our brain functions, and how we react to different stimulus of pleasure like drugs, food, and sex.

The chapters related to food, sex and gambling addiction are particularly interesting.  We learn that obesity is 80% related to genes and on the way people react, or not, to different level of metabolic substrate.  We also learn of the strategy of the food corporation to address our ancestral metabolic needs for fatty, salty and sugary food!

I was personally pleased to learn that one can easily recover from video game addiction, and that no other drug is more addictive ethan nicotine distributed 20 times a days at 15 second intervals per cigarette.
834245
Prof. Swaab explains how our brains work, based on his own insightful research as well as related studies by many other neuroscientists. This book presents a remarkably wide-ranging survey of what scientists have learned about prenatal brain development, memory, sexual differentiation, hormonal influences on behavior and emotions, damage to the brain from drugs and chemicals, how consciousness arises from nerve activity, causes of brain disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, autism and schizophrenia, and other interesting topics.

The author also discusses controversial topics such as moral behavior, religious thinking, free will, evolution, and euthanasia. This book is clearly written with many interesting examples, appealing to both laymen and scientists, but not overburdened with jargon or excessive details.
4737944
This book is a must-read book for leaders, facilitators, consultants, change agents, and others seeking to understand how different question types influence the chemistry of the brain when solving tough problems and making decisions on tough solutions.

The book weaves together other neuroscience research findings with anecdotal case studies from her extensive consulting work with global companies over the past several decades.  The book is nicely organized into sections.  Many will appreciate the ready-to-use facilitative questioning tables categorized into topics ranging from engaging and exploring issues to envision and enacting solutions, as well as for strategic sessions, difficult conversations, coaching sessions, and performance feedback conversations. Each sample question includes a description of its function, which will help users to customize and apply to unique situations.
3266736
This is a well-documented, interesting book, which should be read by psychiatrists and clinical psychologists. Whitaker examines current clinical Literature from a special position, that of not being a medical doctor, nor a psychiatrist, thus avoiding professional bias, which is by the way analysed in some of the book chapters.

I find particularly intriguing the concept that antipsychotic and antidepressant drugs act by inducing contropolar symptoms to the primary mental disease, but also may provoke a iatrogenic disease which then might be even more difficult to treat. This is quite well documented on every clinical pharmacology textbook, in my experience.

The Author never assumes that mental disease do not exist, as stated in one of the one-star reviews, nor refuses the use of psychotropic drug or underestimates the risk of fatal outcomes in untreated patients or in those who suddenly stop their therapies. On the contrary, he points to the benefits of a less simplicistic workup for people with mental disorders, based on a biological, psychological and social assessment and intervention, like that described in the chapter concerning Finland.

Background: I'm a clinical pharmacologist, working in addiction medicine.
3540805
We look at those around us and know, sort of instinctively, that there is some underlying physiological cause to their behavior and choices. In this book, Dr. Earl Henslin presents sound medical research on the relationship between the physical state and function of the brain, and the behavioral results that we all see.

As I read this book I was continually experiencing "ah ha" moments, where suddenly things that I have wondered about for years made sense. Working with adolescents, I have long been intrigued by the question of what exactly causes some people to have difficulty experiencing joy. This book answers so many questions.

One of the things that I appreciated about this book is the way that Dr. Henslin approaches the issue of depression (as well as other mood disorders). For too many years, the church has unofficially endorsed the position that depression is merely a side effect of sin, and that all Christians should, by nature, experience joy at all times. Thousands of pastors have told their afflicted parishioners simply to "happy up!" Dr. Henslin does a fantastic job of addressing the fact that there are physiological causes to many of the mental health issues and disorders that affect thousands of Christians every day. He sheds some very critical light on a dark and difficult topic.

The thing that most impressed me about this book is how Dr. Henslin is able to take advanced neuroscience and make it palatable for the average person. He explains complex medical circumstances and conditions in a way that anyone can understand, all the while mixing in his own enjoyable sense of humor. These factors make the book both an informative and engaging read. Personally, I feel that this book should be required reading for all Christians. Reading it would help all of us to better understand the complexity of the human brain that God created, and give us compassion for those who struggle with mood-related disorders.