Customer Reviews

Biological Unhappiness

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

this book IS life-changing. I had given up hope, yet now, after having read the book I've got hope again for the future. Viewing psychological ilnesses as medical problems is probably a thing of the future. I've changed my medication and according to the plan and it has definitely worked. Must-read for all people with psychological problems ranging from social phobia to pms

You can't read this book and not be moved. It contains hope and help for the literal millions of people who are needleesly suffering from everything from "simple" unhappiness to anxiety disorders to potential suicides. The author writes clearly and illustrates his ideas with case histories. Some will find this book controversial, others will think it's heavens sent. I say read it. It can save lifes and change the direction of our planet.

Most of what I learned about Psychiatry and Neurology , I learned on the job. As an ER nurse I saw a lot of Psych cases come through the door. Dr Heller's book has given me great insight and understanding to these disorders. It also showed me that 80% of the cases I saw the patient was either under treated or not treated correctly at all. Biological Unhappiness should be in all ER's as an adjunct to training and as a reference book.

I actually found myself unable to put this book down - pretty good for a book on mental health! This book explains things in layman's terms and was very helpful and easy to understand. The many case histories, written in regular English, made understanding the concepts easy. One can definitely tell that Dr. Heller has an understanding for his patients, and is truly interested in helping them. I would recommend this book to anyone, whether you are frustrated yourself, or know an adult or child who is.

This book came to be important to me because of an interest in dealing with BPD in a member of our extended family. This person has rent a large family asunder and there seemed to be no hope of ever having a family reunion or enjoying life events together. At least with this book there is hope that if the victim of this disease gets proper help that there may be resolution before we all die. The explanations of the biological processes in brain chemistry is very informative. The other chapters were also full of illuminating facts and I would recommend this book to anyone with an AHD child. My one complaint was a dearth of proof reading . There were errors that had me grabbing my blue pencil but the facts transcend the grammatical and spelling errors.

My word, how can I simply state how much this book has helped me and has changed the terrible direction my lifewas going? I was addicted to numerous illlegal drugs, and they were ruining my life. I was being misdiagnosed for numerous medical problems by doctors all over the world. I was on the verge of giving up and committing suicide. This book by Dr. Leland Heller changed my life. May God bless him!!!

I have read and reread this book several times and lent the book to several others. It is one of the most important books I have ever read.

Dr. Heller has been our doctor for 3 years now and the reality is even better than the book. My husband's life has changed because of this doctor and the information and principles in this book. So many years of needless suffering until we found the right answers to our pain.

There is a lot of information packed into this book and yet it is easy to understand. It gives a clear picture of how these disorders can severely impact your life if untreated or undiagnosed. The warmth and passion of the author comes through on the pages. He brings a fresh perspective to the treatment of these disorders.

Reading this book has the potential to change your life or the life of someone you love.

Avid reader in West Palm Beach, FL