THE READING ROOM BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS
Your Child: What Every Parent Needs to Know; What's Normal, What's Not, and When to Seek Help
by The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists
Provides guidance for day-to-day interactions between caregiver and child, suggestions for sleep problems, a discussion of the development of self-esteem, and how to determine when behaviors call for professional help (and where to find it.)
Your Adolescent: What Every Parent Needs to Know; What's Normal, What's Not, and When to Seek Help
by The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists
Addresses peer influence, dating identity, emerging sexuality, independence, separation anxiety, and responsibility as well as violent behavior, experimental alcohol and drug use, teen suicide, and eating disorders.
Is it 'Just a Phase'? How to Tell common Childhood
Susan Swedo and Henrietta Leonard, Golden Books, 1998
Responds to the questions about children, "Is this normal, or do we have a serious problem? How can we tell the difference?"
It's Nobody's Fault
Harold S. Kolewicz, Random House, 1996
Explains that mental illnesses are no-fault brain disorders; the author devotes a chapter to each of 13 disorders and their diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.
Straight Talk about Psychiatric Medications for Kids
Timothy E. Wilens, Guilford Press, 1999
Provides up-to-date information and explores options. Uses real-life examples, answers frequently asked questions, explains medications, and discusses effects of mental illness on children. Helps readers become active, informed managers of their child's care.
Do Unto Others: How Good Deeds Can Change Your Life
by Rabbi Abraham Twerski, MD, Andrews McNeel Publishing, 1997
An inspirational collection of stories of everyday people who have turned their lives around by doing good deeds for others. These are powerful and moving anecdotes about how practicing the "Golden Rule" can heal your soul.
To The Summit: A Woman's Journey Into The Mountains To Find Her Soul
by Margo Chisholm with Ray Bruce, Morrow Avon Press, 1997
An extraordinary account of one woman's journey to the highest peaks on each of the earth's seven continents, while simultaneously recovering from alcohol, cocaine, and food addiction. A true story of a remarkable transition from self-doubt and despair to the top of the world: a moving and exhilarating tale of adventure and the astonishing strength of the human spirit.
Overcoming Depression (Third Edition)
by Demitri F. Papolos, M.D. and Janice Papolos, Harper Collins, 1997
This newly revised and updated edition provides state-of-the art medical information about depression and bipolar disorder, as well as practical advice for patients and their loved ones on becoming active participants in their diagnosis and treatment. Includes information on the new anti-depressant and mood-stabilizing drugs and advice on the use of lithium and Prozac during pregnancy. Also included: an expanded section on how psychiatric services have been impacted by managed care. A physician member of the Scientific Council of NARSAD (National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression) called this "The best book on depression for general audiences that I have ever seen..."
Homecoming: Reclaiming and Championing Your Inner Child
by John Bradshaw, Bantam Doubleday Dell, 1992 (Reprint). Also available as an audio series.
In this outing, the well-known self-help guru offers a guide to understanding and mourning the wounded inner child within each of us. The book sets out to help heal the core self that is damaged and concealed when the growing child tries to adapt to life in a dysfunctional family. Drawing on techniques used in his workshops, Bradshaw helps put readers in touch with painful childhood memories and experiences. Only after confronting and re-experiencing these past hurts, he maintains, can we break the family cycle of dysfunctionality and move ahead with our lives.
On the Edge of Darkness: Conversations About Conquering Depression
by Kathy Cronkite, Delta, 1995
Walter Cronkite's daughter, herself a depression sufferer, interviews other famous and successful people who have struggled with depression. Writers, actors and politicians such as Mike Wallace, Kitty Dukakis, William Styron, Joan Rivers and many others reveal how they endured - and conquered - the disorder. The well-researched book also includes information from medical researchers and other experts on the workings of depression and types of treatment available. One reader called it, "...tremendously comforting and, most of all, it inspires hope. Anyone who has, or knows someone who has depression can benefit greatly from this book."
"Help Me, I'm Sad": Recognizing, Treating, and Preventing Childhood and Adolescent Depression
by David G. Fassler, M.D. and Lynne S. Dumas, Penguin USA, 1998
Until the early 1980's, there was no official diagnosis for depression in children. The National Institute of Mental Health now estimates that 2.5 million children under age 18 have experienced it This book explains how parents and caregivers can distinguish depression from normal sadness in their children and adolescents and how to tell if your child is at risk. This book covers the symptoms of depression, its link with other problems, its impact on the family, and teen suicide. Provides information on finding the right diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Wrote one reader, "If you're the parent of a depressed child - or think you might be - this is a must-read. It's a reassuring, gentle but completely informative guide..."
Coping with Trauma: A Guide to Self-Understanding
by Jon G. Allen, Ph.D, American Psychiatric Press, 1999
A comprehensive summary of the latest professional knowledge of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for people struggling to cope with its effects. Also a useful resource for mental health professionals who work with trauma victims. One mental health practitioner wrote of the book, "...[it] provides in depth explanations and information which provides clients with... validation of symptoms and behaviors. As a person with PTSD, I found [it] validating, informative, and positive. The author's tone throughout is positive and hopeful. He answered questions I've had for years but didn't ask."
Seasonal Affective Disorder and Beyond: Light Treatment for SAD and Non-SAD Conditions
by Raymond W. Lam (Editor), American Psychiatric Press, 1998
In 1984, psychiatrist Dr Norman Rosenthal and his colleagues published a seminal research paper on seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which asserted the healing power of light therapy for people suffering from this condition. This comprehensive resource provides new findings, as well as a complete summary of the available literature on light therapy. Seventeen contributors --leading clinicians studying the effects and uses of light treatment -- discuss its impact on SAD and other conditions such as premenstrual depression, circadian phase sleep disorders, jet lag, shift work disorders, insomnia, and behavioral disturbances.
When Someone You Love Is Depressed: How To Help Your Loved One Without Losing Yourself
by Laura Epstein Rosen and Xavier Francisco Amador, Simon and Schuster (Fireside), 1997
Research has shown that the loved ones of a person who is clinically depressed are at much greater risk of developing psychological, emotional, and even physical problems themselves. This useful guide explains how families, friends, and spouses can safeguard their own mental and physical health while helping and supporting the depressed person in their lives. The book suggests methods you can use to protect yourself and your relationship with the person. It also offers guidance on how to recognize your own needs, provide the best kind of support, and encourage the depressed person to seek treatment. Wrote one reader, "This book gives a good explanation of what depression is as well as effective ways of coping with it. It also provides valuable information and resources."
