Biological Unhappiness [Paperback]

Leland M., M.D. Heller (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 22, 1999

Biological Unhappiness explains the biology and recovery process for the most common "mental illnesses" that are causing so many of today's societal problems. These "illnesses" are very treatable, and need (and deserve) destigmatization. The public needs to understand the facts and the true nature of what's really going on. Biological Unhappiness is written for the lay person.

The diagnoses include ADD & ADHD, Anxiety, Borderline Personality Disorder, Panic, Fractured Enjoyment, Dysthymia, OCPD, bipolar and others. Biological Unhappiness explains how to diagnose and treat these disorders, how to treat them in combination, and how to recover medically, mentally and spiritually.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Dr. Leland M. Heller's new book "Biological Unhappiness" fills a large void in the medical field, not only in diagnosing these biological causes of unhappiness, but in their treatment as well.

Currently, many of the disorders Dr. Heller lists in his book are underdiagnosed and undertreated. I believe most doctors are unaware of how to diagnose these "illnesses," much less how to treat them. Many people spend years in therapy only to find they still fit the criteria for the disorders. Dr. Heller advocates treating all aspects, physical, mental and spiritual.

This book, I believe, is a necessity for the patient, and for anyone who feels they are not enjoying life to the fullest. Many of us will find ourselves in these pages, where no doctor has found us before. Dr. Heller believes that it is only when patients demand proper treatment that changes can and will be made. He states "victims of the these disorders must take responsibility for getting themselves well and for pushing the medical and mental health communities into pursuing solutions that work."

As I look back on my life, I see senseless years of chaos, emotional pain, rejection sensitivity, etc. affecting every area of my life. I know now that this suffering can stop. The book "Biological Unhappiness" can help make this suffering stop. It provides hope to all of us that suffer needlessly and a "map" for doctors in treating these patients. -- Patty Johnson, M.S.W., Owner - "Borderline Personality Disorder Sanctuary"

About the Author

Nationally recognized authority on mental health with years of experience treating the borderline personality disorder. Dr. Heller has brought the same practical, solution oriented approach to medical causes of biological unhappiness and a path towards a happy and successful life.

Product Details

• Paperback: 438 pages
• Publisher: Dyslimbia Pr Inc (June 22, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 192894700X
• ISBN-13: 978-1928947004
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,300,298 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

47 of 51 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Nothing New Here!, January 26, 2001

By 

Bruce A. Ades - See all my reviews

This review is from: Biological Unhappiness (Paperback)

I read the reviews before I purchased, and had some great hope about new and significant insights into my own difficulties. I also reviewed Dr. Heller's website.

I am most sorry to report that the book failed even my smallest expectations. More than 1/4 of the book is simply "feel good" case studies. Another quarter of the book is devoted to the Author's evaluation of medical treatments (primarily prescription drugs). Another fourth is simply a reconsitution of DSM IV - with very little new material on the diagnosis. Particularly disturbing to me was Dr. Heller's marketing which can lead one to believe he has uncovered a beter diagnostic tool. On the contrary, the book is woefully short on this, and does not even address some of the standard testing methodologies that have some well deserved validity.

Even if one were to look at this book as an anthology or compendeum of material; it is very weak. neither exhaustive or cutting edge. The Author dismisses non-prescriptive treatments, generally, except for psychiatric and psychological inteventions; but the case is weak and defeated somewhat by the Author's strong inclination towards chemical assistance as the primary treatment. I do take issue with Dr. Heller's dismissal of non-precsription medications. Products such as HTP-5 are now well established as direct pre-cursors to seratonin, with high yield and low to non-existant side-effects.

Excellent information, for no charge, is prevasive throughout the Internet and local libraries. There is relatively little value in this book. I had hope it was otherwise.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars All encompassing explanatory manual on mentall illnesses., November 11, 2000

By 

"[e-mail]" (JOHANNESBURG, GAUTENG South Africa) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Biological Unhappiness (Paperback)

Every depressive will know the fears which hound us - "Is there really something biologically wrong with me or am I just weak, stupid or lazy by nature." It takes the clarity of this one-of- a kind book to show the conclusive biological evidence responsible for the mental chaos depressives suffer from. It leads through to sound medication choices followed by helpful advice on how to retrain a previously depressive mind set into a more positive direction.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars lots of good information and pragmatic advice, January 9, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Biological Unhappiness (Paperback)

This book is tremendously helpful for those who suspect they or a loved one may have a problem, but have not yet been diagnosed. The criteria are outlined for each type of disorder, and case studies give examples of what the life of a sufferer of a particular disorder is like. The writing is clear, and the solutions presented are useful, pragmatic, and inspiring. The book leans a little heavily toward recommending medication, but only as part of a multifaceted approach involving all aspects of life, from diet & exercise to counseling changing patterns of thought. For me, it validated what I already suspected, and caught my attention regarding the seriousness of the issue, and made me realized that getting help is not optional. Mental illness deeply impacts physical wellbeing and quality of life, and it isn't something that a person can just pull themselves out of. This book helped me to get past the stigma of the "mental" part of the problem and look clearly at the "illness" and how to confront it.