50 Signs of Mental Illness: A Guide to Understanding Mental Health

Yale University Press Health & Wellness

by James Whitney Hicks

This compelling book introduces a wide range of psychiatric symptoms and their treatments. Written for anyone concerned about his or her own mental health or about symptoms observed in family members or close friends, the book is packed with useful and reassuring information. It is both easy to read and difficult to put down.The volume presents fifty signs that may—or may not—signal mental illness. Arranged alphabetically, the signs include everything from anger to sexual preoccupations, from cravings to obsessions. Dr. James W. Hicks, a highly regarded psychiatrist with extensive clinical experience, begins each topic with a vignette to illustrate the symptom. He explains how a specific sign can be caused by several different illnesses and may even be a normal response to stress. And he outlines available treatments as well as strategies for coping with each symptom.Nearly one in three individuals experiences psychiatric symptoms each year. This book clarifies the significance of such signs and guides its readers toward appropriate treatment choices. It is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking a more informed perspective on mental illness.

Genres: Psychology, Mental Health, Nonfiction, Health, Research

416 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Janice · Rating 2 out of 5]

On page 1 of his introduction, James Whitney Hicks, M.D. writes, "This book will teach you what you need to know about mental illness, whether you have been diagnosed with a mental illness, have untreated problems, or care about someone who may be mentally ill." I disagree. "50 Signs of Mental Illness..." is actually 50 symptoms that may or may not accompany various mental illnesses. Dr. Hicks provides a thumb nail sketch of these symptoms, which could be helpful if you have little knowledge of mental illness. However, the book is a far cry from teaching you what you need to know about mental illness.

If you appreciate footnotes and a bibliography from your reference books, you will be disappointed, there are neither. What Dr. Hicks does provide is a rather extensive list of Recommended Resources which could be very helpful if you are interested in further research on your own.

[Ronnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was incredible. It broke down everything perfectly, accurately, and very, very comprehensibly. It was easy to understand, even if one would have no background knowledge of any mental illness. The author gave excellent examples and described it all well. I highly recommend this book.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

No, I'm not crazy. It's just more research for my fiction.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

6-10 pages per syndrome, expresses traits, and how to determine whether the symptoms displayed are just quirkiness or genuine mental illness, in order to avoid "textbookitis". Gives concise suggestions about what to expect at the doctor's or therapist's office, which meds have shown the most promise recently, and even some alternative therapies in lieu of Rx. Also helpfully compares and contrasts syndromes for a fuller understanding of loverlapping symptoms, terminology, and spectrum analysis. Very readable text helpful for counselors, teachers, social workers, and those who work with the public in a compassionate manner.

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent introduction to mental illness by showing the experience from the point of view of someone suffering from each of 50 "types" of mental illness. These are not all proper diagnostic categories, but that is really beside the point. Hicks does an excellent job to introduce the general public to the reality of mental illness and suffering.

Each chapter starts with a brief paragraph, written as someone with that illness narrating his or her inner thoughts. The remainder of the chapter gives a thorough and rounded background of that illness, without getting too technical.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent! The best resource I found for pre-diagnosis.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very easy to understand.I enjoy reading it.