Beyond Prozac

by Michael J. Norden

Book Overview

Do you find that you don't handle stress well and are frequently irritable?

Did you know the much-publicized low-fat/high-carbohydrate diet of recent years may actually be making you depressed and overweight?

And what are the hidden dangers of sleep loss and irregular schedules?

In Beyond Prozac, Dr. Michael Norden, a psychiatrist and pioneer in developing new applications of Prozac, explains how the toll of modern-day life has undermined...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060987073
• ISBN13: 9780060987077
• Release Date: September 1996
• Publisher: William Morrow & Company
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.4" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

"Beyond Prozac" Review

This is one the best books I've read on the treatment of anxiety and depressive disorders. It is relatively easy and interesting to read, yet is extremely informative and research-based. It is nice to see a book that discusses the integration of traditional and natural treatments so comprehensively.

Excellent Resource, Bad Title

"Beyond Prozac" is a fine book covering all aspects of depression and other Seratonin level disorders. However when I've recommended it, several people have assumed that the title meant that it only covered alternatives to the SRI drugs, or focused on the dangers of Prozac which is certainly not the case. This is a useful, comprehensive, well written resource for anyone interested in the subject. It deserves more attention than it has gotten.

Eclectic, enthusiastic, exceptional!

I first read this book soon after my first book on depression came out in 1995. I was very impressed. Norden not only writes very well and accessibly (even when he gets into quite technical territories, which he digs into with obvious relish), but he very admirably combines the best traits one could hope for from a mainstream health professional and academic: disciplined review of the evidence and an exuberantly open mind.The result is a book that is much wider in scope than most books on depression (from pills to supplements, to diet, to exercise, and so on), especially for "its time" - just a couple years before the St. John's wort revolution, 5-HTP, and most recently SAM-e made it increasingly acceptable for "mainstream types" to write approvingly about these natural alternatives and adjuncts to antidepressant drugs.Although I've only browsed through this 1995 effort as a research source for my own writings since I first read it back then, I believe Beyond Prozac would still hold up very well among the more recent crops of books in the genre, which tend to be "skin deep" (chew them up, spit them out, and move on). It contains the kinds of unique and engaging ideas and insights that have a shelf life.

Being clinically depressed myself, this is wise reading.

Well written for the laymen, the context of Dr. Norden's revised edition enlightened me in a technical and clinical way. Evey page held something of interest that pertained to me and my illness, and gives insight into causes, treatments, and cures. What few passages, written beyond my understanding (technical jargon), do not distract from the understanding of the principles and knowledge that he is presenting. If you are suffering this illness, as I am, you will find that he has written about you, your illness, and the cures for your illness. In addition, the appendixes and index allow me to frequently return to the book as a reference while continuing my research of my illness. Updated with the latest information on depression and detailed with many clinical study findings, "Beyond Prozac" is a must for my home library!

"Beyond Prozac" excels beyond other books of its kind.

Upon finishing "Beyond Prozac," my first reaction was that it should be titled "The Depression Super-Book"! Giving background information on depression, presenting a half a dozen natural alternative treatments, and thoroughly discussing the full range of presciption anti-depressants and related research, this book is teeming with technical detail. Unlike other books lining the self-help shelves, this is not "fluffy" reading -- it is designed for the SERIOUS mental health consumer. Dr. Norden provides much information that cannot be found in the many watered-down sources on depression. The chapters on natural alternatives are particularly empowering. Dr. Norden not only presents relevant evidence of the alternatives' success, he explains the scientific reasoning behind them. He does not expect the reader to take his word for it. Instead, he provides enough information for the reader to make personal decisions. The chapters on prescription anti-depressants are equally empowering, leaving me feeling capable of taking an active role in my own diagnosis and treatment. This kind of information is essential in a time where you can see a doctor for only 5 or 10 minutes. Ultimately, the responsibility for our mental health resides with us, and Dr. Norden's book gives us tools to help us take that responsibility. I gave this book a rating of 9. The only reason I didn't give is a 10 is because of readability. Some less-dedicated readers would find it easy to get bogged down in the technical jargon, giving up before reaching the end. Those who stick with it, however, will be richly rewarded.