Epilepsy: A New Approach [Paperback]

Adrienne Richard (Author), Joel Reiter (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 1995 | ISBN-10: 0802774652 | ISBN-13: 978-0802774651

This book is a unique collaboration between a gifted writer with epilepsy and a skilled physician who has brought new insight into the treatment of this condition.

At the age of twenty-six, when Adrienne Richard was seven months pregnant, she was diagnosed with epilepsy. For years she took anticonvulsant drugs to control her seizures, but she wanted to wean herself from the powerful drugs if she could. During the first ten years without medication she had only one seizure. Her goal was to live seizure-free.

Ms. Richard practiced yoga, biofeedback, and mind/body techniques in the eighties to help her reach that goal. While writing an article for a magazine based in California, she learned of Dr. Joel Reiter, who was exploring epilepsy self-care in his clinical practice and through his groundbreaking research.

Epilepsy: A New Approach combines Adrienne Richard's own inspiring story of overcoming a debilitating condition with Dr. Reiter's up-to-the-minute medical knowledge of diagnosis and treatment. This self-help program offers people with epilepsy and those who love them a chance to regain control of their lives.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Epilepsy, a common chronic disorder, is characterized not only by recurrent seizures, but also by lifelong medical and psychosocial complications. People with epilepsy are not homogeneous; medically they present a disorder of infinite variety, and unfortunately they may face formidable problems. Richard, who has controlled her seizures without drugs for 15 years, and Reiter, a neurologist, suggest medical and self-help techniques that can help ease or control suffering, including biofeedback, psychotherapy, nutrition, relaxation, exercise, stress reduction, and journal keeping. The authors also rightly note that these suggestions do not replace professional health services. Recommended for consumer health collections.
- James Swanton, Albert Einstein Coll. of Medicine Lib., Bronx, New York
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Walker & Company (July 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802774652
• ISBN-13: 978-0802774651
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #393,948 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #42 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Disorders & Diseases > Epilepsy

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Treats the whole person not merely the symptoms, April 6, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Epilepsy: A New Approach (Paperback)

This landmark publication allowed me to look at epilepsy as a challenge instead of a tragedy. Using its philosophy, the techniques outlined in it have helped me to change from a victim to someone who has taken control of her life. I have learned to observe myself inside and out and have changed the patterns which trigger seizures in me. After all, as the book points out, "the disorder that causes epilepsy is there all the time, but the seizures are not". This approach treats the whole person, not merely the symptoms of this malady and the book is written simply although the message is profound. I highly recommend this to patients and professionals.

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Epilepsy: A New Approach, December 9, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Epilepsy: A New Approach (Paperback)

The best ever book written about epilepsy and a great guide to controlling seizures without drugs! A must read for anyone with seizures. I know, I've been there and because of this book, I am on my way to a seizure-free life!

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Classic "Must Read" for epilepsy patients, their families and friends and health care providers, October 25, 2005

By 

Dr. T - See all my reviews

This review is from: Epilepsy: A New Approach (Paperback)

In spite of no new edition for ten years, this book is still highly relevent. The information on medication is a bit dated but everything else seems to be timeless.

In a world full of medical miracles people often expect a simple solution to their medical problems; i.e., "take a pill and everything will be alright." With epilepsy that is often not the case. There is so much more to the condition than just seizures. There is so much more to treating the disease than just taking pills. Most physicians are so pressed for time because of managed care and too few specialty providers that they rarely have time during an appointment to discuss the many aspects of epilepsy let alone the finer points of treating it.

This book addresses the many facets of epilepsy and suggests ways that individuals can take control of their disease. Most of the ideas are backed up with anecdotal evidence, but the concepts are extremely cogent and intellectually appealing.

Rather than listing the contents of the book I think it is sufficient to say that the book advocates a holistic approach to the person with epilepsy. I heartily endorse that idea. It will be up to the individual and their family to make that happen. Physicians can help by directing people to resources outside of the traditional "just take your meds" approach. It is good to have a balanced approach to this condition.

I highly recommend this book. It is extremely well written and is a joy to read. Of all of the books I have read on epilepsy (so far), it more than any other paints a broad picture of the disease and advocates a balanced approach (between traditional medicine and alternative methods) to helping the person take control of their disease process.