Healing Anxiety and Depression: Based on Cutting-Edge Brain-Imaging Science

by Daniel G. Amen and Lisa C. Routh

Book Overview

Based on brain-imaging science, Healing Anxiety and Depression reveals the major anxiety and depression centers of the brain, offers tools to determine the specific type of disorder, and provides a comprehensive program for treating both anxiety and depression.

Dr. Daniel Amen--a pioneer in uncovering the connections between the brain and behavior--presents his revolutionary approach to treating anxiety and depressive disorders...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0425198448
• ISBN13: 9780425198445
• Release Date: December 2004
• Publisher: Berkley Books
• Length: 352 Pages
• Weight: 0.86 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.1" x 9.0"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

A Fascinating Integration of Medicine and Psychology

Many books are one-sided arguments for the causes of depression and anxiety. According to these biased books, depressions stems from:Past child abuse and other negative environment factorsHolding your body in a depressing way - bent down, frowning, etc.Medical causesPoor diet, lack of exerciseIsolationFill in the blankBut this book is different.Healing Anxiety and Depression is a refreshing book, for it takes all of the above factors and mixes it into a complete approach to the causes and treatment of anxiety and depression.Moreover, Daniel Amen, M.D. and his co-author, Lisa C. Routh, M.D. have pioneered the use of a brain imaging technology known as SPECT: Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography. This interesting brain scanning method is different than other methods because it allows one to see how certain parts of the brain interact to cause these debilitating conditions. Other methods of brain imaging only give a surface view of the brain - which is of very little use for psychiatry.The authors also touch upon how these areas of the brain cause insomnia, suicide and violence as well. They also point out the different causes of anxiety and depression between the genders. They convincingly describe gender differences from social, psychological, and biological perspectives.In short: they give you the full picture on depression from every possible angle - literally. In between the pages, interspersed among case histories, personal stories, and scientific explanations, you will find actual pictures of the five areas of the brain they have focused on via SPECT technology:1.) Basal Ganglia2.) Deep Limbic System3.) Anterior Cingulate Gyrus4.) Temporal Lobes5.) Prefrontal CortexFurthermore, the authors have taken these five areas of the brain, and through thousands of their own patients, compiled their findings on how these five areas interact to cause seven variations of depression and anxiety:1.) Pure Anxiety2.) Pure Depression3.) Mixed Anxiety and Depression4.) Overfocused Anxiety/Depression5.) Cyclic Anxiety/Depression6.) Angry Anxiety/Depression7.) Unfocused Anxiety/DepressionThere's only one drawback to this book: the technical terms can be a bit annoying. I constantly flipped back to beginning chapters to refresh my memory on what they were talking about. The medications and dosages - and their variations, are mind-boggling. Ask your doctor about them.Despite this, the book is worth the extra memory and concentration required to comprehend it.It's very empowering too: Dr. Amen is a strong advocate for natural supplements, exercise, and deep diaphragmatic breathing. He also gives the reader a simple, flexible, easy-to-follow diet that'll maximize your brain function. More wisely, however, he directs you towards a way of eating that's based not on a one-size-fits-all mentality, but a diet that is focused on your particular type of anxiety and/or depression.He al

Good for laypeople with depression/anxiety, too!

I could write something long and flowery, but I'll keep it brief. I have had depression for over 20 years. For the first time EVER, I fully understand what's going on with me. I no longer feel defective or like it's my fault for having a weak character or whatever. I finally understand that it's an actual medical problem, one that can be fixed. I can't wait to take care of it now that I know what's wrong. This book will make you think of your own brain in a very different way.