Customer Reviews

The Peace of Mind Prescription: An Authoritative Guide to Finding the Most Effective Treatment for Anxiety and Depression

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I am in the middle of another episode of my major, clinical anxiety and depression. I bought this book hoping for some new information or insight for someone who has a chronic condition and, unfortunately, found none for me.
This appears to be an excellent book, though, that will be of major help to a person who is newly diagnosed or who thinks they may be suffering from anxiety or depression. (It puts together in one place all of the information that I wish I had when I was newly-diagnosed.)
I would not have purchsed this book if the population it was meant to serve had been made clearer.
I would recommend "Feeling Good" by David B. Burns, M.D. instead to those with chronic conditions. My version is from 1999, so some of the drug information isn't current, but I think there is a newer edition.

"Our fundamental message is hopeful: people can overcome anxiety and depression and find well-being, zest, and greater emotional resilience".

So write the authors of The Peace of Mind Prescription in a call to empowering those who suffer with anxiety and depression. They go on to say, "We're not saying the path will be easy, quick, or painless, but we are certain that good information is the foundation for any successful treatment - and that is what this book contains".

The first section characterizes mental health, resilience, and dysfunction. There is a useful overview of the operation of various neurotransmitters, as well as a discussion of the connection between physical well being and mental health.

Subsequent sections go into detail describing the variety of anxiety and depressive disorders, as well as the range of available treatments. There is a balanced and comprehensive review of various medications, how their functioning is presently understood, and what the common side effects entail. Particular issues pertaining to anxiety and depression in men, women, young people, and the elderly are also addressed.

Equipped with the information contained in this book, sufferers of anxiety and depression will be able to make more informed decisions regarding their treatment than would otherwise be the case. I would certainly recommend it for family members as well.

This book describes depression and anxiety very well from both a clinical and consumer standpoint, and I think it will go far in helping consumers of psychiatric and counseling services communicate better with the professionals they are seeing. I was hoping for more information on the clinical pharmachology of the newer SSRI's, and was disappointed to see so little about the research into the newer dopamine and norephinepherine based anti-depressants. However, the potential this book has for facilitating dialogue between provider and consumer is excellent. I took it off my shelf and gave it to a client, and will no doubt be ordering more for this purpose!

Drs Charney and Nemeroff have made a profound contribution. The remarkably comprehensive cutting edge treatment information makes this book an extraordinary find for readers who suffer from, or have loved ones who suffer from, mood disorders. Treatment details are sensitively buttressed using poignant vignettes from individuals who courageously shared their stories with the authors. Clearly, these world experts in the treatment of mood disorders are very much in touch with the pain and struggle of the day to day life in individuals suffering from mental illness. Definitly a 5 star read. The writing is inspirational; this book will change lives.

Peace of Mind Prescription is a scientific book written by some of the top psychiatric minds in the world, but it is written for the layperson so that it is accessible for anyone. I highly reccomend it to anyone who suffers from depression and/or anxiety, as well as to anyone with a general interest in understanding the dynamics behind these frightening diseases. Dennis Charney is brilliant.

I am a psychology doctoral student and after reading this book I had a MUCH clearer understanding of all of the different treatments and conceptualizations of depression and anxiety. This book did an excellent job of bringing together all of the most up to date information on how to treat these debilitating illnesses. It is very helpful to have one book that addresses so many of the questions professionals and lay people alike may have about depression and anxiety. I HIGHLY recommend it!

This is the best book I have ever read. It has helped me and I highly recommend it if you are suffering from depression or know someone who is. Not only do the authors suggest how to get help, they explain in simple terms the chemical reasons for your depression. It's a great read and I can't think of a better way to start the road to recovery.

Any suffering from anxiety or depression will find plenty of books on the market about the topic - what makes THE PEACE OF MIND PERSCRIPTION: AN AUTHORITATIVE GUIDE TO FINDING THE MOST EFFECTIVE TREATMENT FOR ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION provides important information on how to get the best treatment, not just how to cope with the problem. Now available in paperback is a fine reference to the world of psychiatry which contrasts treatment approaches, links case history examples to illustrate points, and surveys both seasonal and medical depression. An important, essential guide any general collection should include.

Overall, this seems to be a good survey of ailments and <<medically approved>> treatment options. Unfortunately you will find no mention of amino acids, vitamins or minerals and their effect on the mind. Nor mention of sugar, a heavily abused substance that can darken one's mood. A caution against St. John's wort gets a couple pages, but otherwise nada. For the holistic alternatives you'll have to turn to books such as 'Mind Boosters' and 'The Way Up'. I'm disappointed that nutritional supplements are not given at least lip-service in a supposedly comprehensive work such as this.

This book is very helpful for anyone suffering from anxiety or depression. I highly recommend it to anyone struggling with mental illness or knows someone who is.