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Shadow Syndromes is thorough, but at the same time it simplifies the technical aspects of mental illnesses--no stacks of footnotes or complicated neurotransmitter charts here. The authors use plenty of anecdotes to illustrate how everyday people have recognized and overcome shadow syndromes. They also prevent the book from becoming one big bundle of bad news by stressing that these disorders are treatable with medications such as Prozac, which Johnson took to handle her mild depression. Specific lifestyle changes are also advised, including more sleep, changes in diet, and more exercise. The "Care and Feeding of the Brain" chapter compiles other empowering, healing approaches. This book will be valuable not only for those who believe they're suffering from a shadow syndrome, but for doctors and therapists as well. --Erica Jorgensen
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5.0 out of 5 stars
an important book,
By
This review is from: Shadow Syndromes: The Mild Forms of Major Mental Disorders That Sabotage Us (Paperback)
This is an important book that should be read by everyone who has an interest in mental health, and that includes just about all of us. In many ways, this book is an extension of the ideas of Peter Kramer's Listening to Prozac and Michael Norden's Beyond Prozac, especially the former book. It's filled with useful information and plenty of detailed case studies, where I think case studies are a very useful and entertaining way to learn about the effects of psychiatric drugs. Is there really a large fraction of the population that exhibits symptoms bordering on overt mental illness? I think so and they probably could benefit from the right psychiatric drugs at the right doses, as long as those drugs don't have serious side effects for the given person. This is a highly enjoyable and enlightening read. Author of Adjust Your Brain: A Practical Theory for Maximizing Mental Health.
2.0 out of 5 stars
Amusing & Informative,
By Jerrica Benton "jerricaisjem" (Miami, Florida) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Shadow Syndromes: The Mild Forms of Major Mental Disorders That Sabotage Us (Paperback)
I found this one at a dollar store, and devoured it. Very readable considering it's medical nonfiction, no doubt because of Catherine Johnson, who's really a magazine writer. Part of the interest lies in the somewhat disturbing notion that, given the soft definition of the major mental illnesses such as ADD and depression, most people we know could qualify for a diagnosis of a "shadow syndrome." If you're willing to accept this revelation, then the explanation behind the theory, which is basically that the brain's biochemistry is responsible for generating much of what we normally think of as "moods" or "personality," will be fascinating, especially considering that Ratey and Johnson are careful not to imply that biochemistry is the sole explanation for everything we think and feel. In fact, they do a fine job of integrating biochemistry and classical psychology as the driving forces of who we are.The book is also readable because of its nifty organization: a shadow per chapter, and soon you're an expert (or at least you could think of yourself as one, especially if you're slightly hypomanic). In addition, there's lots of compelling case studies inserted into the explanations. Overall just very readable and interesting, especially as an introduction to the latest styles of crazy. Would be most useful to someone attempting to learn about these issues from scratch, since the book doesn't necessarily reveal too much in-depth information. I rate it low because it ultimately leaves you with little to go on, other than a better understanding (perhaps) and a "take-it-for-your-family" view of psychopharmacology (potentially useful). Other than this, some parting words on exercise (karate: oh brother) do little to justify a perfunctory section on "the care and feeding of the brain." This is an informative, not an empowering, read.
5.0 out of 5 stars
A "Must" read...even for those who can't finish a book.,
By Stephen C Geller (Rockford, IL United States) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Shadow Syndromes: Recognizing and Coping with the Hidden Psychological Disorders That Can Influenc e Your Behavior and Silently Determine t (Hardcover)
Not only have I read Shadow Syndromes, and not only have I read most if not all of Ratey's other works, but I've met him, he has interviewed me and testified on my behalf, and I got him to his plane [just] on time! It was one of the wilder rides of our lives!He is a very human being; it shines through in his treatment of his subjects, be they abstract concepts, like emotion and memory, or real people, as he describes in his books. Even if one cannot finish a book...who of us with attentional problems can?!...this is the one to try, because one doesn't have to read it all! Just the first and last chapters are worth the admission fee; they explain the issue completely. And with one or two chapters from the middle, which detail specific conditions, one has a full experience! For anyone looking for a page or two to be convinced, I suggest the last two pages of the chapter on ADD: Prisoners of the Present; Ratey's description shows the depth of his understanding of not only the clinical manifestations but also the very real, personal, and agonizing element of how this condition affects the soul. Again, I say, this is a "must read" for any, but especially those of us who can't finish a book.
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