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Family Healing; Strategies for Hope and
Understanding by Salvador Minuchin and
Michael Nichols The Free Press, 1998
(update)
This book is an excellent read
concerning the interdependence of the family and its members. According to one
person, “Our families are the source of our greatest hope for happiness and
sometimes turn out to be the source of our greatest disappointment.” This book
offers through personal experiences insights and understandings of the family
and the ability to cut through the knots of family dynamics. Solutions (to
familiar family crisis) offer insight into the workings of all families as
well as inspiration and hope. We are shown the hidden strengths to be found in
the heart of the family itself!
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Synaptic Self: How Our Brains Become Who We
Are by Joseph LeDoux Viking Penguin, 2002
This very readable book by John
LeDoux, author of The Emotional Brain, presents a provocative and mind-expanding
view of the brain. He states that the bottom line is, “You are your synapses!”
What does this mean? Synapses are the spaces between brain cells but Mr. LeDoux
believes they are much more…”they are channels of communications between brain
cells, and the means by which most of what the brain does is accomplished.” The
synaptic explanation of the self is intriguing and challenges the common view
that regards the self in terms of self-awareness. This is an attempt to show how
nature and nurture work together “to contribute to synaptic connectivity and
personality.” Very interesting, easy to read, and useful for
reference.
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 “Young and
Bipolar,” TIME Magazine, August 19, 2002, pp.
38–47 by Jeffrey Kluger and Sora
Song
On the front cover of this
particular issue of TIME Magazine are the words “Inside the Volatile World of
the Young and Bipolar” with a picture of a very normal, young boy. The question
they pose on the front cover as well is: “Why are so many kids diagnosed ith the
disorder once known as Manic Depression?” It goes on, starting on page 38, with
an extensive article about bippolar disorder in children and youth. The pictures
accompanying the article are beautiful and unique. Individual stories are cited
and delineated in addition to scientific evidence about the disorder. On page
41is a detailed picture of the brain designating points in the brain that are
affected . . . what the mood spectrum is . . . and a checklist adapted from “The
Bipolar Child” written by Dr. Demitri Papolos (Broadway Books, 1999). Dr.
Papolos often speaks to NAMI Conferences.
Available from TIME Magazine.
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 Who
Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson, MD G.P. Putnam’s Sons,
1998
This fantastic, little book has
been on the Best Seller’s List for four years and beyond. It is easily read in
about an hour and can be used for reference or guidance. The cover says it is
“An A-Mazing Way to Deal with Change in Your work and In Your Life.” According
to the book cover, it is a simple parable that reveals profound truths about
change. . . an amusing and enlightening story of four characters, Sniff and
Scurry (little mice)—Hem and Haw (little people beings), who live in a “maze”
and look for “cheese” to nourish them and make them happy. “Cheese” is a
metaphor for what you want to have in life and “maze” is where you look for what
you want . . . an organization you work in, or the family or community in which
you live. This book is written for all ages with unique insights than can last a
lifetime.
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 Handbook of Psychiatric
Drugs by L. J. Albers, MD; R. K. Hahn, MD; and C. Reist,
MD Current Clinical Strategies; ISBN: 1881528944; 102nd edition
(January 1, 2000)
This very small updated and revised
handbook lists most psychiatric drugs with indications, pharmacology, clinical
guidelines to dosages, adverse drug interactions and drug interactions. It also
includes selected DSM-IV codes. Purchasers of this text may download the digital
book and updates at the publishers website. This is a reference book only.
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 New Hope for People with Borderline Personality Disorder
(BPD) by N. R. Bockian, PhD; V. Porr, MA; and E. Villagran,
MA Prima Publishing; ISBN:
0761525726; 1st edition (June 15, 2002)
This very up-to-date, excellent
book is easily read with ten chapters of excellent and useful information. It
also has three Appendices, which include Referral Resources, Self-Help
Books/Videos/Web Sites, and Medication Algorithms. Also, Notes, a Glossary and
Index are included—very complete! Although this book is written primarily for
those interested in knowing more about BPD, it could be read by anyone seeking
information about mental illnesses in general. This is a compassionate and
complete look at the most cutting-edge information on managing symptoms as well
as coping strategies. It answers many questions about BPD, clearly defined in
1980, as well as talks about symptoms that pehaps relate to other disorders in
the same spectrum or that are closely related.
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 Unholy Ghostwriters on
Depression Edited by Nell Casey Harper Perennial; ISBN:
0060007826; (January 8, 2002)
This national bestseller is a
collection of unique essays on the subject of depression. These essays address
depression with “notable sanity and stylistic elegance exploring the
debilitating conditions that fall under the depression umbrella.” An
introduction by Kay Redfield Jamison offers an extraordinary glimpse into this
ancient and complex topic as well as an overview of the writers themselves . . .
“their struggle to define and describe depression is perhaps the most important
process for the reader.” This small paperback includes many voices and depicts
the most complete portrait of the illness ever compiled.
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 Dance of Connection: How to
Talk to Someone When You Are Mad, Hurt, Scared, Frustrated, Insulted, Betrayed
or Desperate by Harriet Lerner, PhD Quill; ISBN: 006095616X; 1st Quill edition (August 6, 2002)
This highly rated book is written
by a prolific writer who has a focus on women’s issues. Dr. lerner has been
teaching readers how to “dance” with difficult relationship issues for over a
decade. As a psychotherapist, she has a familiar mix of conversational language
and profound empathy for people who are struggling with the most important
relationships in their lives. She is well known for her “Dances” on varying
topics with an emphasis on dealing with the most difficult people in the most
difficult situations, “like when we are betrayed, rejected, insulted, or cut
off.” It also gives advice on how to “find your voice.”
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 The Music of
Madness by Tracy
Harris Writers Club Press; ISBN: 0595212565; (January 2002)
Tracy Harris participated in the
recent NAMI California Conference offering both her thoughts on mental health as
well as her expertise as a musician. Ms. Harris’s book is interesting because
she weaves the past, present, and future throughout her autobiography. It is a
story about music, her struggle with schizoaffective disorder, and her recovery
to lead a rich and rewarding life despite the barriers that she encountered. She
attributes her successes and strengths to three elements: 1) Conscientious use
of the newer medications; 2) Continuing support of her family; 3) Support of her
personal physician. Ms. Harris indicates these three elements together have
enabled her to return to the concert stage again. A very simply written book
with an especially good chapter entitled ““Recovering My Mind’s Inner
Harmony.”
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 Psychiatry and Religion: The Convergence of Mind and
Spirit edited by J.K.
Boehnlein, MD American Psychiatric Press; ISBN: 0880489200; (March
2000)
This book covers many aspects of
psychiatry and religion, including the polarities and unifying concepts between
these realms with an emphasis on the point at which they actually meet. This
very readable volume is divided into three parts: theoretical principles and
trends, clinical perspectives, and future relationships of psychiatry and
religion. Many topics that are rarely discussed elsewhere are included in this
196-page book such as current perspectives, cults, role of clergy in mental
health care, spiritual issues in psychiatric education and training, and others.
It fills the gap in literature by providing a much-needed sociological and
cross-cultural perspective with the interface of psychiatry and religion.
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 Faith and
Health edited by
T. G. Plante and A. C.
Sherman Guilford Press; ISBN: 1572306823; (August 2001)
Again, an interesting concept for
Mental Health . . . the book begins “. . . there has been strong interest in the
relationship between religious faith and health for thousands of years . . . a
growing body of contemporary psychological research focuses on the links between
religious faith and health outcomes.” Many questions and multiple perspectives
are raised with a collection of issues, including research, mental health
outcomes, cancer, tobacco and alcohol use among young adults, spiritual
interventions, and future directions.The chapter on mental health indicates this
relationship has become an increasingly popular subject of investigators with a
positive association for well-being. Certainly, the Psycho, Social, Rehab (PSR)
movement may attest to this! This is a very useful and rich book for
reference.
Also available from UCSD
Bookstore.
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 The Normal
One: Life with a Difficult or Damaged Sibling by Jeanne Safer, PhD The Free Press; ISBN: 0743211960; (2002)
This book begins “Nobody knows I
have a brother.” It goes on to delineate the purpose of this writing as an
attempt “to reveal the neglected, lonely, and lifelong trauma of growing up with
an abnormal brother or sister and its effects on personality and society…”
Although the writing is very forthright, honest, and blunt, Dr. Safer offers
insights, ease, and comfort to those who are siblings plus suggestions as to how
and why siblings have escaped scrutiny. Does this tweak your interest? This is a
difficult subject, which often causes distress when discussed, especially within
families. If one can ignore the total lack of “person first” (the cue is in the
title), the read will be less troubling.
In the end. Dr. Safer provides
understanding and hope to many who struggle with mental, physical, and social
ills that have gone unnamed in sibling relationships.
Also available from UCSD
Bookstore.
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 Parents Under Seige: Why You
Are the Solution, Not the Problem, In Your Child’s
Life by J. Garbarino, PhD
and C. Bedard Simon & Schuster, Inc;
ISBN: B000066TPY; (2001)
The event at Columbine High School
in Littleton, Colorado, hastened the writing of this book. The authors say, “We
wrote this book because our way of looking at the whole picture of a
parent-child relationship demands that we offer more than simply a recipe
book…the science of human development, which insists that the meaning of
specific child-rearing practices depends very much upon where, and when, and in
what culture, and with which child we are parenting.” They further stress that we deal with
children who have complicated issues in a complex society along with our own
inner turmoil as adults (i.e., bad things happen to good people).
Dr. Garbarino, recently in San
Diego for the Safe Schools Conference, has written numerous books and here
presents tough-minded yet compassionate tactics for parents of children who do
not make headlines, but who are exceptionally difficult and disruptive of normal
family life. An excellent read for today’s world!
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Along Came A Spider: A Personal Look at
Madness by Maryanne
Raphael Writers Showcase Press; ISBN:
0595237916; (August 2002)
Another beautiful mind gives us a
rare opportunity to experience the torments of hallucinations, delusions, and
anxieties a biochemical brain disorder can bring. In her most recent and highly
rated book, this prolific author shares her intimate feelings, deepest pain, and
eventual recovery. Her words are not the usual definitions and descriptions
found in mental health literature, but those of a lifelong journal keeper as she
endures hospitalizations and the periods in between. She shows the universality
of mental illness as she keeps writing through her crises in Brazil, Morocco,
New York, California and Hawaii. Finally, Ms. Raphael gives us hope that those
who suffer from a mental illness can live a stable, productive life. From her
home base in Carlsbad, California, Maryanne now travels the globe, continues her
writing career, and is an inspiration to all.
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I Am Not Sick, I Don’t Need
Help by Xavier
Amador Vida Press; ISBN: 0967718902 ;
(June 2000)
Again, another highly popular book
that is turning out to be a classic in the realm of mental health literature.
Dr. Amador, a presenter and active member of NAMI National, writes about one of
the toughest problems in delivering mental health services…insight into
receiving care for a mental illness. This easily read book, based on personal
experiences, offers a sensitive presentation of practical, clinically sound
approaches to getting a severely ill person to accept needed treatment. The
focus is on building mutual understanding and trust as well as a “much needed,
and long overdue, common ground for helping people in crisis.” Dr. Amador
indicates partnership is key to acceptance. He also offers an excellent guide to
resources and research on “insight.”
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The Gift of Therapy: An Open Letter
to a New Generation of Therapists and Their
Patients by Irvin Yalom,
MD Perennial Press; ISBN: 0060938110;
(January 2003)
This is a very interesting and
innovative book, with 85 short chapters (categories) in its 250 pages. Dr. Yalom
is an award winning author and Professor Emeritus at Stanford University. Both
practical and, at the same time profound, the insights offered by the author,
are extraordinarily useful and compassionate. This is a collection of “nuts and
bolts” concerning favorite interventions or statements… “ to facilitate personal
growth and basic character change.” An easily read book which is filled with
wise ideas for the professional, family, and client alike and could lead to
improved relationships and self-understanding. Well worth the
reading.
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Surviving Schizophrenia
by E. Fuller
Torrey Quill; ISBN: 0060959193; (May
2003)
E. Fuller Torrey (a researcher,
lecturer, and clinician) wrote the initial edition of this book in 1983 in order
to provide some basic information to patients and families. NAMI had just been
formed, and advocates had an uphill battle. Dr. Torrey indicates in this
outstanding, Fourth Updated Edition “the purpose…is to make you aware of the
progress of schizophrenia and the possible ways in which it may develop…”
Dr.Torrey has worked with NAMI extensively as well as supported thousands to
deal with this condition in a better manner. This book is a classic guide which
addresses many issues concerning mental health and is mandatory reading for
anyone involved with schizophrenia. and includes an excellent bibliography with
appendixes such as reference to 50 of the best and 15 of the worst
books.
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Schizophrenia into Later
Life edited by Carl Cohen,
MD American Psyciatry Pub, Inc.; ISBN:
1585620378; (April 2003)
This is one of the first books
written (since 1987) to address the issues of schizophrenia and aging. Above
all, Dr. Cohen, one of the leading experts on social support, aging, and
schizophrenia, provides a look at the increasing number of older persons with
schizophrenia and the “need to mobilize both sciences and services to meet not
only their needs but those of their families . . .” This book is really a
compilation about schizophrenia across the life cycle. Very up to date, timely,
and informative including a chapter referencing NAMI and their resources
(chapter 14). Several of our NAMI NCSDC recent speakers, from UCSD, are
highlighted in the writings.
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A User’s Guide to the Brain:
Perception, Attention, and the four Theaters of the
Brain by John
Ratey Vintage Books.; ISBN: 0375701079;
(January 2002)
“For the first time ever,
discoveries in the neurosciences are beginning to overlap with fields as
different as anthropology, philosophy, linguistics, and psychology.” Does this
tweak your interest? If not, consider this: Dr. Ratey makes constant use of
metaphors and analogies with lots of clarity and repetition to solidify, for the
reader, the parts of the brain, its functions, and language. This is a study of
the maturation process of the brain and the biologic perspective—in the 21st
Century—and how we need to change our thinking and language about the brain . .
. nature versus nurture and genetics versus
environment, a linking of science, research, environment, and the
brain. Very interesting read on how to use our brains to their greatest
potential.
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Necessary Losses: The Loves,
Illusions, Dependencies, and Impossible Expectations that All of Us Have to Give
Up in Order to Grow by
Judith Viorst Free Press; ISBN:
0446690856 (2002)
This classic, ageless book offers
advice on a serious and far-reaching subject which is: “How do we grow and
change through the losses that are an inevitable and necessary part of
life?”
This is about love, loss, and
letting go—something all families and consumers deal with when they confront
mental illness. Ms. Viorst indicates that “to look at loss is to see how
inextricably our losses are linked to growth.” How can our responses help shape
our lives? How do we each deal with loss?
On the one hand, Necessary
Losses is a very good read, often humorous with real-life experiences. On
the other hand, it also is a complex study in human relationships to discover
avenues of positive change, growth, wisdom, and compassion. A very large notes
section, elaborations, and bibliography accompany this edition.
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Serenity in Motion‚Inner Peace: Anytime, Anywhere by
Nancy O’Hara Warner Books
(2003)
This small paperback is just what
you need for the holiday season. The author, who also wrote Find a Quiet
Corner, demonstrates how setting aside a few minutes a day to focus on
mindful breathing can create an inner peace. In the harried days of the holiday
season you do not necessarily need a quiet corner (although it would be
preferable). You can apply these skills as you rush around to the myriad of
appointments, decisions, crisis, and challenges you might face. Let this book
help you tap into your own “intuitive reservoir for all solutions.” In southern
California, we all move at a dizzying pace and can include our minds as well as
our bodies. So, take a minute to read this very helpful book to slow down the
movement of your bodies as well as your minds...really helpful suggestions for
the busy holiday season.
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A Developmental Model of Borderline Personality
Disorder by Patricia Judd
and Thomas McGlashan American Psychiatric
Publishing; ISBN: 0880485159 (2002)
Although this is a very technical
book, the authors present the material in a very readable format. It is an
excellent resource for those who wish to better understand BPD, one of the most
challenging disorders to treat. The developmental approach and model are
stressed as well as themes and issues relating to this disorder, such as empathy
(i.e., capacity), unstable relationships (i.e., secrecy, odd thinking, etc.),
emotional dysregulation (i.e., anger, depression, anxiety, blame, etc.), and
behavioral dysregulation (i.e., compulsiveness, high risks, substance abuse,
etc.). This is truly a fascinating book to review with four in-depth case
studies. One of our very own local professionals, Dr. Judd of UCSD, presented at
one of our recent NAMI NCSDC general meetings. I wish to thank Dr. Judd for
sending me a book to review.
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Conversations in the Cognitive
Neurosciences Edited by
Michael Gazzaniga MIT Press; ISBN:
026257117X (2002)
Another little scientific paperback
on the brain and cognitive neurosciences from one of our UCSD Researchers. Dr.
Gazzaniga has integrated a series of interviews with leading brain and mind
scientists. It is a very “coherent whole that is rich in substance.” He uses
open- ended questions with a direct focus to engage famous, thoughtful, and
articulate researchers about historical perspectives as well as cutting-edge
cognitive neurosciences. These interviews were first published in the
Journal of Cognitive Neurosciences but are easy reads and include some
of our local researchers from Scripps Institute and UCSD. . .key ideas and
latest technical advances that will help to unravel the mysteries of the mind
and brain.
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Mad
in America—Bad Science, Bad Medicine, and the Enduring Mistreatment of the
Mentally Ill by Robert
Whitaker Perseus Book Group; ISBN:
0738207993 (2003)
This is a very controversial book
that continues to stir a lot of emotions. The book offers an excellent history
about mental health/illness and then moves into the contemporary scene. One of
the main protagonists is Loren Mosher, MD, one of our local luminaries, who is a
Past Medical/Clinical Director of County Mental Health Services. This is
basically an expose on drug companies, and how they have “skewed their studies
in an effort to prove their effectiveness of their products.” This book is worth
the read because it raises important questions about what is actually going on
in the mental health field, and what we value most in the population of those
with mental illnesses. In order to be an informed activist for mental health
issues, it vitally important to know what others are saying. This book is an
excellent opportunity in which to do that.
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What Every Patient, Family, Friend, and Caregiver Needs to
Know About Psychiatry by
Richard W. Roukema, MD, FAPA American
Psychiatric Press; ISBN: 1585621102 (2004)
This book is written in a concise,
simple style for the layperson and is packed with information that is much
needed for all. This is an excellent resource with basic, understandable
information about psychiatric problems we all face. Dr. Roukema received the
Psychiatrist of the Year Award from NAMI, New Jersey, and numerous other
recognitions. This is written following September 11, 2001, and addresses many
issues concerning anxieties related to this event as well as the role of the
psychiatrist in this day and age. This book provides the latest data…recent
genetic findings, new diagnostic procedures, brain scan techniques, medications,
and other avenues of interest to the mental health field. Of special interest:
there are some very interesting topics on obvious related physical health
issues. Find out what families, caregivers, and friends can do.
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An Unexpected Joy: The Gift of
Parenting a Challenging Child by Mary sharp, MD Pinon Press; ISBN: 1576834611 (2004)
A small paperback and an inspiring
book that offers hope, humor, and an extremely poignant look at the challenges
of raising a child with the disability of autism. Despair, tears, laughter are
all part of this excellent little book. We all know the challenges of raising
children and youth with disabilities, but this book is especially honest and
insightful and will move you deeply. You will find yourself over and over again
as you fly through this read. There is a very special chapter on grief. “It is a
story of realistic hope and emergence . . . the pain of feeling lost and the joy
of being found.” Highly recommended for our NAMI families.
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The
Promise of Parents as Advocates by B. Weissbourd and J. Lombardi Journal Zero to Three, Vol. 24, No. 1
Your first reaction may be why
review this article in Journal of Zero to Three: National Center for
Infants, Toddlers, and Families? Well, it is an excellent overview and look
at the recognition of the potential of “parent voices” and how their roles of
advocacy may be utilized. At a glance, the article covers how parents organize
around specific issues of immediate problems; how parent action grows from the
bottom up—from community advocacy to national issues; why effective public
policy promotes parent involvement; and why good professional practice includes
listening to parents and encouraging them to find their voice. This is a
six-page article that stresses the power that parents and families have . . .
how to raise their voices and become leaders in efforts to change their
communities. To obtain a copy of this article, call the NAMI North Coastal
office at 760-722-3754.
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 The Power of
Mindful Learning by Ellen J.
Langer Perseus Books; ISBN: 0201339919
(1998)
“Delightfully simple, remarkably
profound!”This surely summarizes the small paperback (167 pages including notes
and index) that strives to portray traditional methods of learning as mindless
behavior that tends to get people to overlearn a fact or a task—and
that this is the only way to do it. Dr. Langer, Professor of Psychology at
Harvard University, is a prolific writer and has received numerous awards for
her contributions to the field of psychology. She puts forth a very specific
theory with three characteristics:
1. The continuous creation of new
categories 2. Openness to new information 3. An implicit awareness of more than one
perspective.
One would surmise this would be
extremely helpful to those with brain disorders and their families.
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 Matt the
Moody Hermit Crab by
Caroline C. McGee McGee & Woods,
Inc.; ISBN: 1891347063 (2002)
Who is Moody Matt? Matt is a
children’s chapter book about Matt, a middle boy in a family of five, with
childhood-onset bipolar disorder. It is a fictional work loosely based on the
author’s own experiences and those of other bipolar children. It is a
mystery in that you don’t know what is really wrong with Matt until chapter 11.
The book describes the feelings of every member of the family that surrounds
Matt as well as his teacher and friends at school. This book can be a useful and
insightful read for anyone dealing with a child with mood disorders. The plot is
a typical family dealing with each other on a day-to-day basis. It offers hope
to the family and the classroom. It can help to educate any of us about mental
illness in a nonthreatening and painless way. It’s a fun, easy read and a great
book to read to children.
A Parent/Teacher Guidebook is also available
for discussion. It comes with information about symptoms, statistics, and tips
for parents/teachers on how to help others understand what Matt is going
through. It includes a suggested reading list, list of organizations (including
NAMI), and web sites.
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Schizophrenia: Your Questions
Answered by Trevor H.
Turner, MD Churchill Livingstone; ISBN: 0443073473
(2004)
“Your Questions
Answered” is a new series of handbooks that provide succinct, expert opinion on
the diagnosis, treatment, and management of many chronic conditions.” This small
paperback uses the popular question and answer format plus sections of
frequently asked patients’ questions in order to offer easy-to-understand
answers. Dr. Turner strives to provide accurate information about (1) the
reality of the illness, (2) a clarity about areas that remain uncertain, and (3)
help to physicians and families with the complex business of providing care. One
of the most important, single facts about schizophrenia in the 21st century
(offered in this book) is—it is extremely treatable! Worth your read!
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Other Esteem: Meaningful Life in a Multicultural
Society by Philip O. Hwang,
PhD Brunner-Routledge; ISBN: 1560328762
(2000)
This book offers a “common sense”
approach to life and is based on the philosophy of (1) interdependency versus
independency perspective, (2) mutual cooperation versus self-sufficiency, and
(3) a synergistic way of action versus individualistic idiosyncratic behavior to
all life’s routine. Well, you must be thinking by now, this make no sense at
all, much less “common sense”! To read this book, you must want to learn and
want to change! This is the challenge…to be accountable for your own actions.
The book has some value in evaluating where you are in your personal life, and
how you might change it for a positive future.
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Night Falls
Fast by Kay Redfield
Jamison Vintage Books USA; ISBN: 0375701478
(2000)
This is a really troublesome and
disturbing subject to read, write, or talk about, but sooner or later in the
Mental Health field, we must come face to face with the concept of suicide
(although often reluctantly). Dr. Jamison has written a most profound and
compassionate book on the study of suicide. Few writers could match or even
attempt to write a book with such personal compassion, experience, and literary
skill on this subject. San Diego County has one of the highest nationwide rates
of suicide in the teen years as well as in older adults, especially men. Where
is our concern? We should understand the minds of those who might attempt
suicide, recognize those at risk, and comprehend the heartfelt effects on those
left behind. This outstanding book, with extensive appendix and notes, will help
you do just this. Dr. Jamison ends with . . . “Look to the living, love them,
and hold on.”
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Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff . . .
and it’s all small stuff by
Richard Carlson, PhD Hyperion; ISBN:
0786881852 (January 1997)
This small, best selling book
offers “simple ways to keep the little things from taking over your life.” It
is a nice and light way to end your summer reading…100 suggestions (mini
chapters) to calm down in the midst of our incredibly hurried and
stressed-filled lives. When we deal with difficult people, are immobilized by
little things, begin to focus on the negative, lose sight of the bigger picture,
feel our advocacy is for naught, and so on forever, we begin to develop certain
habits that do not serve us well! The ideas in this book will not make your life
perfect, but certainly you “will learn to accept what life has to offer with far
less resistance.” Take a few minutes to nourish your own sense of well-being
with this helpful little book!
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Bipolar Disorder: Rebuilding Your Life by Rev. Dr. James T. Stout Cypress House; ISBN:
1879384442 (May 2002)
Dr. Stout has written a first-hand
and candid disclosure of his personal life experiences in a most poignant
manner. Most recently, in August 2004, Dr. Stout was a plenary speaker at the
NAMI California conference in San Francisco. In addition, he was a recipient of
NAMI California’s “Distinguished Clergy Award 2001.” I read this book as a
family member and found it heart wrenching as well as extremely depressing.
However, this is a story of success with messages of hope, specific advice/
practical tools, perspectives about the self, information on bipolar disorders,
and other sources of help. Those who suffer with this illness will find the book
very helpful with the challenges they may face. Dr. Stout and his wife, Leah,
continue to be extremely active in Orange County with the crusade to overcome
the stigma of mental illnesses.
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Skywriting by
Jane Pauley Random House; ISBN: 1879384442 (May 2002)
Ms. Pauley calls her memoir a
“personal process of discovery.” Jane Pauley has had a career in broadcasting
since 1972. She joined NBC as the first woman to co-anchor weeknight evening
newscasts in Chicago and is now most known for “Dateline” and most currently
“The Jane Pauley Show.” She relates how her diagnosis with bipolar disorder
occurred. The illness was medically induced by treatment for something very
innocuous . . . hives. However, all of Ms. Pauley’s life had been far less
conventional than it looked and especially as she grew into a very successful TV
personality.
This easily read book is an
interesting insight into a celebrity’s culture, and how the public image might
differ from her insecurities . . . about strengths and how to use them in a life
filled with insecurity. She ends with: “There are no charmed lives, only
lives.”
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Exuberance: The Passion for Life by Kay Redfield Jamison Alfred A. Knofp, ISBN:
0375701486, 2004
This fourth book by Dr. Jamison
comes with mixed reviews. Many praise it as a “delight of a book.” In
comparison, some say it is a disappointment—just another way of describing
mania. Dr. Jamison is an excellent and prolific writer with several successful
books including, The Unquiet Mind. She describes exuberance as “a
bounty and a blessing . . . has its dangers . . . an amazing thing.”
All of us in NAMI need passion to
be advocates for mental health issues and our families. How do we determine the
difference between passion/exuberance, and perhaps, a pathological mood
disorder? This book is about the ability to make the determination, about
playfulness and joy (a necessity according to Jamison), then to use your passion
and exuberance to spring forward in whatever field of endeavor you choose.
Read, judge for yourself, then send
your welcome comments to our book reviewer at ncami@msn.com.
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Beyond Behavior Council for Children
with Behavioral Disorders, ISBN: 0375701486, 2004
This very interesting
journal/magazine explores behavior of children and youth as well as publishes
material of interest to persons who are concerned with the challenges presented
by children and adolescents with emotional and behavioral disorders. The goals
of this publication are to provide a source of analysis and commentary, to
broaden the impact of research on practice, and to lend support and affirmation
to those who work or live with children and youth who have emotional and
behavioral problems.
The most recent issue includes
articles on Asperger Syndrome and Six Strategies for Success, Transitioning
Children Between Activities…, Promoting Better Family-School Community
Partnerships for ALL of America’s Children, and other current, useful, important
trends and issues.
This journal publishes in a style
of writing that engages the reader and is of interest across many arenas
including families. This publication is worthy of your time!
Subscription is $25/year
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50
Signs of Mental Illness: A guide to Understanding Mental
Health by J. W. Hicks,
MD Yale University Press, ISBN: 0300106572,
2005
This extremely useful book presents
fifty signs and symptoms (alphabetically) that may or may not indicate mental
illness. This is written for anyone concerned about mental health and introduces
a wide range of psychiatric symptoms and treatments across all ages. The jargon
has been tossed, and mental illnesses are described in everyday terms—what it
looks and feels like. This excellent, large book with 389 pages is extremely
well-presented with invaluable resources and may be used as a reference
source…worth your time and effort to check out.
Let us always remember to be
vigilant as well as to track what mental illness looks and feels like,
especially with our youth!
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Men and Depression: Clinical
and Empirical Perspective by
Sam Victor Cochran and Fredrick Rabinowitz Academic Press,
ISBN: 0121775402, 1999
This is one of the first books to
address men and depression, and one of only a few currently available that
integrates psychological theories and the latest research findings with clinical
recommendations for working with men suffering from depression. It covers a wide
range of topics and issues that relate to men and depression, including
assessment, statistics, theories, treatments with both pharmacotherapy and
psychotherapy, interrelation of issues, suicide/risk of, and prospects for the
future. We have reviewed this book in the past, but it is still up to date,
cutting edge, with insights and detailed questions/answers at the end of each
chapter.
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Infants to Adolescents Research Update Years 200 to
2005 www.infantstoteens.com
This quarterly newsletter
summarizes psychological research in child and adolescent development. This
newsletter aims to provide brief, accurate, and reader-friendly reviews of
research drawn from various psychological, sociological, and medical literature,
along with scientifically, evidence-based parenting advice related to the
development of babies, toddlers, children and teenagers. The newsletter also
comments on researchers' interpretation of their findings. Individual
subscriptions are $16 for the electronic version and $20 for the regular mail
version. A sampling of reviews during october 2005 are collected from the
Journal of AMA, Psychiatry Research, Journal of Personality, Journal of
Adolescent Health, and many others. You may access their innovative web
site at the above address.
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