Ground breaking psychiatry
599354
Dr Van der Kolk writes a fascinating book discussing trauma and the effects it has on our mind, body and soul as humans. Suffering is part of being human and this compassionate clinical psychiatrist has devoted his life's work and written this book to help us all understand trauma in hopes of breaking this vicious cycle. Thank you for sharing your clinical pearls- a true healer
974450
Just finished this. It's devastating.

Every psychoanalyst/therapist in the country should read it. They should buy a copy for each and every one of their patients, too, and insist that they read it. Change will happen then, I hope. We'll collectively begin to wake up from the long, strange trip that many of us have been on while taking these "medications"--the great majority of us not really sick; we were simply trying to escape the killing inhuman influences of living in the modern world. (Yes, I realize that's an over-simplification; this is a review, not a dissertation.)

Once we collectively know the truth about psychiatric medications after reading this book, we can begin the shift from popping a pill for our ills to a therapy that focuses alternatively on a harder but more effective course:  talking; conversing; attending to others. Face to face. Talking to each other is messy, hard work; attending to each other requires people skills and to have those skills you really have to like helping others; empathy is not "Here, take this pill and let's see how you feel." It's getting to know the other.

I have GAD, so I suppose I'm one of the walking wounded that bought into the idea that  SSRIs  were "just like insulin for diabetics"--my proscribing doc actually said that to me (he no doubt heard it from a drug rep). After 16 years on paxiI I tried to kick it cold turkey but had to switch to celexa, a milder SSRI, just to save my sanity. I'm addicted to celexa. It's a bitter irony for me that something I take to help with my anxiety has ended up no longer effective and that, if I try to stop taking it, makes me profoundly depressed. I don't think I was ever really "sick" to begin with--just overwhelmed. Somewhere I read that celexa was easier to kick; I'm hoping that one day I'll be able to taper off altogether. However, Whitaker's book convinces me that once that happens, if it ever does, if I'm ever off this stuff, my damaged brain (hyperbole, perhaps) from my chronic SSRI use will force me back. Back to the loving arms of big pharma.

Thank you, Mr. Whitaker, for a very important book.
538169
Walking Shadows: Archetype and Psyche in Crisis and Growth from exceptional psychiatrist Tim Read is amassing well grounded work discussing acute psychoses and spiritual emergencies.

I enjoyed reading every page of the book. There is a lot of examples a lot of questioning, a lot of well grounded answers of a highly seasoned psychiatrist who spend more than 25 years working with severely disturbed patients. I liked his statement that he prescribed the necessary psychiatric drugs as often as he stopped the unnecessary ones.

Dr. Read has extensive knowledge, both in research, theory and practice of acute psychosis and/or spiritual emergencies and possible connections to geniuses. This allows him to  develop new possible, more successful  treatment in relation to acute psychosis than just suppressing the symptoms by the drugs. The reading was pure delight as he is able to view certain problem from many perspectives, from purely psychiatric explanations to archetypal penetration of the psyche.

I enjoyed reading this book immensely, since it is written with the heart of someone who sees his patients as suffering human beings and not as diagnosis . The book is full of compaction, deep care... It builds on real situations and then explores possible explanations and describes successful (and also less successful) treatments. I recommend this book to both professionals and lay people interested in full scope of human psyche.
2224831
The number of U.S. children diagnosed with bipolar disorder rose an astounding 4,000% in the past ten years.  This startling fact drives home the urgency of this important new book edited by Sharna Olfman and bringing together some of the world's most distinguished experts in the field.

Each of the book's nine contributors offers a unique perspective on the issue, providing readers with a comprehensive view of a controversial and disturbing subject.

Among the most passionate voices are those of Dr. David Healy and Dr. Joanna Le Noury, who dissect the pharmaceutical industry's unscrupulous strategies to expand the psychiatric drug market, resulting in the unprecedented "tidal wave" of child drugging currently sweeping our nation.

Award-winning journalist Robert Whitaker writes a carefully documented chapter citing solid scientific evidence showing that the widespread practice of medicating young children with stimulants like Ritalin or antidepressants like Prozac has fueled an explosion of drug side effects including psychosis, mania and suicidal impulses.  These drug reactions are then misinterpreted as symptoms of severe mental illness, resulting in a mis-diagnosis of bipolar disorder which leads to treatment with "mood stabilizers" often combined in drug cocktails including major tranquilizers like Risperdal or Seroquel.

We may be witnessing a drug-induced epidemic of mental and physical disabilities directly caused by the irresponsible and misguided medical mis-treatment of our nation's children.  Psychology professor Daniel Burston looks at what is happening  and calls it "the chemical colonization of childhood."

Regardless of who or what we choose to blame for causing this catastrophe -- Big Pharma, bad parenting, overcrowded schools, environmental toxins, television violence, etc. -- one thing is certain: nothing will change until DOCTORS stop making the diagnoses and DOCTORS stop writing the prescriptions.  What will it take to bring about such a change?

Perhaps we should begin focusing less on the children who are diagnosed, and more on the doctors who do the diagnosing.  Lawrence Diller writes, "Only economic factors, the threat of legal action, or very negative publicity (e.g., children's deaths while taking antidepressants) have widespread influence on doctors' prescribing practices and treatment."

In the book's final chapter, epidemiologist Philip Landrigan sounds the alarm over the growing number of neurotoxic chemicals including mercury that are poisoning our environment.  Landrigan writes, "It is striking that the mental health community has virtually ignored the health risks to children growing up in a world that is awash with thousands of synthetic chemicals, hundreds of which are already known to be poisonous to the brain."

How ironic, then, if our society's response to the harm caused by environmental toxins is to give our children drugs -- chemical substances that are toxic to growing bodies and vulnerable brains!
3256110
I am a psychiatrist, and have spent my career in community and hospital mental health. Destroying Sanctuary (a sort of sequel to the most-read book in my office, Creating Sanctuary, by Sandy Bloom) tells the story of my professional life. The book is many things - history, statistics, story, text - but it is the organizational behavior part of the book that hooks me. The authors re-cap state-of-the-art thinking about exposure to trauma and its effects in order to apply the same thinking to organizations. The authors eloquently explain why organizations behave as they do when they've been under stress or are in crisis. Workplace violence, bullying, secrecy, authoritarianism, mistrust, gossip, burnout, low morale, and ultimate failure - they explain it all. This is our lives - any of us who have worked in the public sector. And it is the lives of everyone in the social sector - childrens protective services, disability services, aging adult services - and there is something both reassuring and horrifying to see ourselves and our organizations so explicitly described. Everyone I know who has read this book believes that somehow the authors were privy to the organization in which they have served. You will too.
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
2851413
This is an excellent text for both students and practitioner's alike.  Each chapter provides thorough depictions of DSM 5 disorders and provides the reader with helpful information regarding clinical presentations they may encounter.  In addition, each chapter's case conceptualizations help the reader to integrate diagnostic criteria, current research, and relevant treatment approaches into realistic case scenarios.  Overall, a highly comprehensive and user-friendly contribution to the mental health field!
2279941
This book is groundbreaking, thought provoking, and compelling. Vanderpot approaches the complexity of her subject in an inquisitive, intelligent, and approachable manner. Although her study is clinically based, the personal stories woven throughout the book are relatable and personal, creating a fine balance between research and human experience. An important and most worthwhile read for anyone who has personally experienced the mental health system, as well as for anyone in the field of psychology, psychiatry, and human services.
3139773
Dr. Seager explains graphically and passionately what those of us who have dealt with the homeless mentally ill have know for years; the current system is neither humane nor effective.  His chronicles of his real life  patients show how the current system, which places patients' personal  freedoms and rights over their own safety and the safety of the community,  is creating a dangerous subculture of homeless mentally ill whose only  option to a night on the streets is a night in jail.  He opens the  controversial debate pitting moral and ethical laws against Constitutional  law, and tries to strike the delicate balance between the two.  Bravo to  Dr. Seager from a career peace officer and current Police Chief.  We need  to have this discussion especially as Calfornia's mental health laws are up  for review this year.
2041115
There seem to be as many schools of thought on psychiatry as there are individuals in the practice of psychiatry.  This excellent work by Niall McLaren M.D. takes a comprehensive and concise look at the major theories of the practice of psychiatry.

The book is well done, set up in a very easy to follow format.  Each theory is explained in detail, and the author offers his opinion on the flaws and fallacies of each.  It's obvious that much research and study has gone into each review, as well as into the problem areas and better working models.  Will everyone agree with every opinion delivered by McLaren?  Of course not.  However, the review and research does lead to a rethinking of each theory; and many excellent and thought-provoking statements are made.  I was particularly interested in the way the author viewed the theory regarding panic and anxiety attacks.  It offered me an interesting perspective I had never considered before, and one that actually makes a lot of sense and is practical.  I have suffered from panic and anxiety attacks personally for many years, and found much to ponder in his ideas and views.

This is not a book for beginners in psychology/psychiatry/neuroscience.  I believe that to really understand and appreciate the depth of work that went into this publication, a reader would need a somewhat more intense understanding than just the basics of the science.  I would recommend it to anyone with a working background in the field, and believe that they would find it as thought-provoking as I have.

It will definitely remain on my shelves as a future reference.  I fully expect that at some point it will be recognized as a groundbreaking work in the field.
1580761
A very important book ont only for a young psychiatrist but also for all psychiatrists that think critically about post-DSM psychiatry
4183954
I have never read such a descriptive book on mental illness.  This book is like experiencing the authors life at every level.  I was amazed, shocked and encouraged.  The author created a masterpiece  and has given me strength.
558369
This provides insight to the thoughts, feelings and life of a person living with a significant personality disorder.  It also provides an amazing comparison of the British and US psychological institutions and treatment.  I really had not thought too much about how someone with a personality disorder handles day-to-day life, let alone what may happen to them if the medical or legal/police system becomes involved.  Dr. Saks is an amazingly courageous person who writes clearly about her thoughts and her personal experiences with the mental health system, psychoanalysis and simply trying to live a normal life.

This book has inspired me to read additional, similar types of literature.  It has opened my outlook and compassion on those who are simply labeled "mentally disturbed".  Dr. Saks has outted herself, and I think everyone who reads this book will be richer for her sacrifice.
2230307
As I read this book, it was hard for me to forget that psychiatrists, as a group, are primarily focused on prescribing medications. Most of the ones I've had the privilege of visiting have been well educated and have a high degree of personal autonomy. As I read Dr. Brogan's book that autonomy definitely came through. She is definitely a pioneer...

One premise that I totally agree with is that depression is a real and very treatable disease. Given this premise, Dr. Brogan's mission of educating those suffering from depression really started to make sense.

I have to say that I'm still a bit of skeptic that food can have that much of an impact on those suffering from depression. I've tried some of the fad diets out there and none of them really made that much of a difference in my own health journey with depression. But after I had read a substantial portion of the book, and tried out some of the ideas, I realized that food is more important than people realize. I actually started to feel better.

When the book first came out, I was surprised by two things.

1) The amount of people struggling with depression.
2) And how many people we're willing to give this book a shot.

I was seriously doubtful that this book would offer any real value but I'm always willing to give someone's work a shot. I figured the worst thing that could happen is that I would have a differentiated understanding of how depression is treated and a lucky spot on my bookshelf would be taken...at least for a little while.

As I read Dr. Brogan's journey through Cornell medical school, her fellowship at the NYU Medical center and her completion of a degree in neuroscience at MIT - it was at that point, I began to see her as more human. Dr. Brogan is obviously well-schooled in the particular causes of depression and this in itself helped give me confidence in her work.

I have to say there were parts of the book that struck me as a bit hard to swallow. How could the FDA allow the approval of these pharmaceuticals for mental illness if they haven't been proven safe and effective?

For example, I do think her chapter on serotonin deficiency being overplayed was thought-provoking, but I haven't read all the literature itself and again, I'm not sure that I buy that food can cure anything/everything. I mean, we need medications and ... drugs save countless lives each year. I'm not a pharma shill, I'm just someone who doesn't care much for extremes - one way or the other. Who knows ... I may be buying into the healthcare system a bit much, but I think trying to treat mental disorders without FDA approved drugs seems a bit controversial.

Maybe, just maybe...Dr. Brogan is onto something here.

Given the differentiated view points of the book, I could see this book becoming one that other psychiatrists offer as a something to try to their clients. That said, I'm not sure I have the willpower to make some of the lifestyle changes she is recommending. I believe those that are willing to make the effort in changing their own path with depression...will find this book wildly helpful. For that reason alone, this book is a goldmine.
3896642
Where to even begin.. I came across this book by recommendation in one of my classes and I couldn't be more glad for that. I am finishing up my Masters in Psychology at the University of Missouri St. Louis, so of course any book that deals with mental illness will peak my interest, but this one did WAY more than that. The author, Michael Wellington, will have you in awe simply over how raw and transparent he is about the struggles hes had to overcome with his fight against bipolar. He gives phenomenal insight, using personal stories, into the bizarre ways the mind can work if someone with Bipolar Type I goes undiagnosed/doesn't take their medication. I would go a step further and recommend this not only to loved ones who know someone with Bipolar Type I, but also to those who suffer from the common mental illness. The book allows those individuals to realize that others suffering have "flown off the handle" and with the 14 clubs, it's never too late to get back on track. I am hoping that the author writes a sequel, maybe with a personal stories behind how each of the 14 clubs has helped him?! Either way, the author Michael Wellington did a phenomenal job and gets 5 stars from this soon-to-be psychologist!
1646357
Again and again, Art Janov sees clearly, and so brilliantly,  what so many medical professionals ignore.  The hard science is all there. Over time, neurological studies and MRI studies have increasingly corroborated the spectacular and eloquent theory which Janov first articulated more than 30 years ago.

Yet, the mainstream of clinical psychology marches on to the beat of a different -and superficial - drummer.

When will the mainstream madness quiet its dangerous, cognitive mantras, and turn its glazed eyes toward a solid science and a comprehensive, measurable  model of consciousness?
And, when will the mainstream of clinical psychology finally offer to the afflicted patient a road to deep and lasting healing?
2241384
Easy to read, well founded, interesting history, solid perspectives on what Normalcy should be! Saving it, and saving psychiatry YAY