Books for Prep | |
 - False HopesI found this book to be quite disappointing. After seeing Dr. Amen on the tv, he made it seem as if this book will give you useful methods and explanations for combating anxiety, depression, etc. Unfortunately, this was not the case. Rather, the book explains how there is a correlation between the under/over-activity of different parts of the brain and different mental health issues. After explaining which diagnoses correspond to which part of the brain, he offers very obvious and unhelpful tips. Even after diagnosing the problems in his patients, he always perscribes medications for treatment. The only thing this book solidifys is the fact that if you are in a situation where you are considering seeking professional health for a mental health issue, then you should definitley do it. It is those professionals, not this book, that can help you to develop a program to help you. Rating:  - Chabge Your Brain Change Your LifeExcellent book! Gives a view on the brain that the typical medical world does not always show. Rating: - Insights into Managing One's Thought Processes and EmotionsInstead of repeating other reviewers, let's focus mostly on some unmentioned and undeveloped content. The deep limbic system is responsible for such things as PMS, clinical depression, negative emotions, etc. These problems are exacerbated by ANTs (automatic negative thoughts) which become self-perpetuating with constant repetition. To eliminate them, the person needs to reframe negative thoughts and experiences as positive ones. Philippians 4:8 is cited as to the need for focusing on positive emotions. POLYANNA is mentioned favorably, including her statement that the Bible has about 800 "Glad Passages', indicating God's priority in this regard. Medications such as Saint-John's-wort can also be helpful in alleviating limbic-system dysfunction. The basal ganglia are the person's natural "idle". When set too "high", they are responsible for such things as anxiety, fear, avoidance of conflict, the "freeze" response during emergencies, sloppy handwriting, TS (Tourette syndrome), OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder), etc. To deal with problems related to the basal ganglia, the person should, besides killing ANTs, engage in guided imagery, diaphragmatic breathing, meditation/self-hypnosis, etc. Medications such as lithium and Valium can also help with basal-ganglial overactivity. In cases of basal-ganglial underactivity, as in ADD, the person often enjoys conflict with others as a form of self-stimulation. The cingulate system is the person's natural "gear shifter". Problems with the cingulate include oppositional disorder in children, cognitive inflexibility, repetitive thoughts, and persistence of grudges. Such problems can be helped with SSRI drugs such as Prozac, as well as by physical exercise, the making of paradoxical requests, etc. Other sections of the book include discussion of problems related to the prefrontal cortex and temporal lobes. The book concludes with a list of references, to articles in medical journals, which the research-oriented reader can use for further study. Rating: - Enlightening and EmpoweringI first saw Dr. Amen on a public television fund raiser. I was surfing and stopped cold when the list of behaviors he was describing fit my current boyfriend, I'm talking about all of them. He has had a rough go of it; I believe he has had ADHD from birth (maybe never diagnosed), but two yrs he suffered a brain aneurysm and stroke. I needed help! I tuned in and immediately sent for the book. It gave me so much insight into creating a more successful environment to continue my relationship and it empowered me with strategies to use to deescalate situations when circum- stances arise. I haven't shared the book yet but I plan to because it makes so much sense to me that the physical brain would dictate what is going on behaviorally. I would love to attend some workshops of Dr. Amens', that is my next goal. Rating:  - A religious perspective by an active, recovered AAOne of the problems in today's treatment approaches--whether they be the program of Alcoholics Anonymous, the psychiatrist's counseling, the scans, the pharmaceuticals, nutritional imbalance, or altering behavioral disorders--is that they don't touch many of us who believe in cure by the power of God.By the Power of God: A Guide To Early A.A. Groups and Forming Similar Groups Today ; God and Alcoholism: Our Growing Opportunity in the 21st Century; and Cured! Proven Help for Alcoholics and Addicts. As a recovered alcoholic, I've done my turn in a treatment center, a psychiatric ward, a therapist's chair, Alcoholics Anonymous, and Christian fellowship. And I've profited from all. But sad it is that a popular book and approach such as this just doesn't cover help from the Creator. Belief in God, acceptance of Christ, study of the Bible, prayer, renewing the mind to God's word, and working with others were all part of the highly successful early A.A. fellowship.When Early AAs Were Cured and Why, Third Edition And I believe strongly that professionals like the good doctor should be introduced to, understand, and be able to work with the power of God as an element of healing much used and needed by many. All the areas of his practice involve human means, but they need to take account of spiritual help. Not self-help, not group-therapy, not rehabilitation, but embracing these within the original, old-school A.A. Christian approach.Dr. Bob of Alcoholics Anonymous: His Excellent Training in the Good Book As a Youngster in Vermont In association with Amazon.com | |