Cheap advertisement for the Amen ClinicAugust 30, 2008 1 out of 4 found this review helpful
The book reads like a pamphlet advertising the Amen Clinics. At the Amen Clinics this and at the Amen Clinics that, give me a break. This guy can't go half a page without tooting his own horn. You would think that everywhere except the Amen Clinics, the treatment of mental disorders is by witch doctors and alchemists. The books makes a big deal about the use of brain scanning and how this is such a big advantage for their clinic. They shame insurance companies for not reimbursing payment and other doctors for not using the technique, but read closely. In the end, they still the patients are still treated just like anywhere else, symptomatically. One word for this book: lame.
AmenJuly 19, 2008 0 out of 1 found this review helpful
I enjoy reading the books written by Dr. Amen. He writes so the lay person can understand and so the professional does not get bored. This book has been very helpful to many people.
Decent Material For BeginnersJanuary 11, 2008 8 out of 8 found this review helpful
I had knowledge on this subject for years, so most of the material written in this book was mainly old news to me. Most of the material in this book is an overview of the disorders and a lot of pics of brain scans. (Including before and after shots) There is a lot of talk about medication as well and different categories of antidepressants. Honestly there isn't that much extra material that books like "Don't Panic" doesn't cover (although this book isn't as dry as "Don't Panic"). If you are new to all of this, then it's is a decent read. If you been dealing with this for quite a while now, chances are that your doctor has found the right meds for you and that you've been properly diagnosed. You may want a book that goes a little deeper in the topics of "rational vs irrational thoughts", "self-esteem", or "phobias". I gave this book 3 stars only because I was expecting more with all the 5-star reviews and didn't pick-up anything new, but it's a good book if you are new to all of this and want a primer about the road that's ahead of you.
Depression and anxiety fully understood and dealt with at lastJuly 17, 2007 3 out of 3 found this review helpful
WOW! What a book. I have many books, on the above subjects, being a sufferer myself, and feeling like I'm hitting a blank wall trying to fully understand it, but also a book that actively helps you to accept there is more information about diagnosis, PROPER treatment available, and REAL solutions to these debilitating illnesses, not just psychotherapy, or medication. It delves into the psysiological reasons and chemistry of the brain and how SPECT scans can verify diagnoses and help to correctly pinpoint the specific type of illness you may have. I have read many medical books and was 'till now unaware of the physiological markers to look out for, but also that these scans help to pinpoint accurate treatment for your specific type, of which there are 7 main types. It is not for the novice necessarily as medical jargon is used, but is well worth the read and there are addresses and phone numbers for contacting doctors that help diagnose and treat patients.It helps to self diagnose to a point, and makes you feel like there is light at the end of the very long tunnel. About time a book like this has come along. I plan to use it extensively and rid myself of the bain I carry around daily!
Healing Anxiety and DepressionJuly 9, 2007 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This book was very informative and useful to me. Everything that is described about these conditions helped me feel that I was on the road to recovery with what my doctor had prescribed, and know with the added knowledge provided by this book I have added supplements, excerise, and a positive attitude to my dealing with my depression.