14 out of 14 people found this review helpful.
State of the Art Psychiatry!
Date of Review: Aug 5, 2004
The Bottom Line: If you use this book in conjunction with qualified psychiatric care / proper medicines, I highly recommend it. If, however, you go it alone, the book is only somewhat effective.
For over twelve years, I have battled moderate to severe chemical depression, general anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. Although I've found various medications helpful (e.g., Zoloft, Buspar, Klonopin), these only put you on a level playing field.
Left behind on that field are divots, dead grass, and dirt spots, which must be repaired; not to mention that the game is still in play, and you must learn how to play it. This book-if you do the written work with dedication-is THE playbook whereby you will learn to master the game of life, and to repair the field on which you play that game. Indeed, the book, which Dr. Burns intended for all audiences, helps you understand the world of psychiatry as Dr. Burns sees it; then, through cutting-edge cognitive techniques, he guides the reader in written exercises that help the reader better understand the problems with which the reader is dealing and how to effectively resolve those problems. Unlike other self-help books, this book requires the reader to actively participate, much like an actual visit to a psychiatrist, except for that the exercises extend into almost all aspects of one's life-not just a 30 minute chat with the doctor. And the active participation in Dr. Burn's well-developed treatment plan is how the reader makes progress, remarkable progress.
In meeting with the UCLA Psychiatric Clinic, a state-of-the art, cutting-edge psychiatric institution, I learned that UCLA currently uses and recommends methods very similar, if not the same, to those proffered herein by Dr. Burns. And Dr. Burns has been refining his methods now for over twenty years!
If you suffer from depression and/or anxiety: (1) See a board-certified psychiatrist (not a psychologist/therapist, unless done in conjunction with the psychiatrist); (2) Get medicated if directed to do so by your psychiatrist-this is a must as a first step to getting better; (3) Get this book; (4) Do the written work with diligence; (5) Implement the techniques regularly; and (6) You WILL get better. Good luck. :)
