MD

No longer do I need to look up five or six different reference guides to find an answer about a specific type of sickness or disease. In a pragmatic sense, a very useful book with a wealth of information.

These books are so useful to use in rounds and clinics and especially for board review. They have probably been the best review books that I've used yet. I hope they come out with "In a Page" books on each sub-specialty.

This is a fantastic reference for residents and medical students. I especially found it useful in preparing for attending rounds, but it's also great for exam review. I'm very happy with this purchase.

I am a school psychologist and with all the prescriptions that we need to know about in order to help students, this has been invaluable. New medications are always coming out and this book was very handy for knowing the side effects, which can be useful if a student is falling asleep in class and it is found that his medication causes drowsiness.

I would definetly recommend this book, I just hope they come out with another so that I can update myself on some of these new prescriptions that were not out at the time it was published!!

This book is a lifesaver for my family.
I struggle to keep a family member "on their meds" so they may continue to live independently. This book has explained, in a simple but sufficiently thorough way, things I've needed to know:
1) What the medications prescribed actually do;
2) Side effects of prescribed medications, so I know which complaints I hear about side effects are actually from the meds, or whether other health concerns should be addressed;
3) Relative costs of medications, so I can address complaints about the medications' costs;
4) Alternative medications, and why they might be prescribed;
5) Time lag - some meds may take weeks before they have therapeudic effect, even though the patient taking them experience side effects immediately.
6) Time lag - if a patient decides to stop taking their meds, there is often a period of time between that last pill and relapse.
Meds, even though they are less than perfect (don't we know!!) are still the miracle keeping mentally ill people alive and "at home", figuratively and literally. It is SO easy for the people who need these meds to stop taking them, with absolutely disasterous results.
Although psychiatrists and pharmacists may have had education in this, social workers, family members, and even general practitioners that are on the front lines dealing with this on a daily basis really do have a need to know this material.
I'd give this book a Milky Way's worth of stars if I could.

We recently had the pleasure of a hosted discussion by Dr. Diamond at our web site.

One person sent me the following review of this book:

The following is an abbreviated version of the original article: Book Review: Instant Psychopharmacology by Ronald J. Diamond, M.D. W.W. Norton & Company, Inc., ISBN 0-393-70269-3 (pbk.).

Dr. Ron Diamond, a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Medical School, as well as the medical director of the Mental Health Clinic of Dane County, recently published a book on psychotropic medications.  Written in a remarkably straightforward manner, this informative handbook is a rare treat.

Indeed, it's quite a resource for psychologists, nurses, and social workers who are often reading and incorporating various sources of data (chart notes, medical histories, etc.) to assist in treatment planning, answering clients' questions and/or communicating with physicians. Students in non-medical mental health fields will also find this book useful, especially the annotated bibliography.  The handbook's bibliography includes web addresses for accessing psychopharmacology information through the Internet.

I would also encourage mental health consumers and their significant others to consult Instant Psychopharmacology. Although it is subtitled, "A guide for the nonmedical mental health professional", the author alternately addresses his colleagues and clients throughout the text.  Diamond achieves an appropriate balance between offering detailed information (dosages and drug profiles) as well as general facts about neurotransmitter systems and how drugs work.  The book's greatest strength is how clearly it's written Chapter One, "Psychopharmacology:  The Rules of the Game", is a must- read for all consumers.

Another strength is how up-to-date it is, in terms of the various types of psychotropic drugs available.  I can also appreciate its usefulness for researchers such as myself, who frequently ask study participants to list the medications they're currently prescribed. 

In this regard, it's extremely helpful to have the appendices which list drugs  by their brand names as well as their generic names.  The book also deals  with the somewhat sensitive topic of  sexual side effects directly and  matter-of-factly.

In summary, Instant Psychopharmacology is a wonderful resource.  I strongly encourage consumers and family members as well as mental health professionals to consult it.

Diane C. Gooding, Ph.D., Chair, Public Education Committee ------ reprinted from The Pioneer, AMI of Dane County, Sept l998 issue

I, too, have been using this reference for several years. I consider it to be one of the five most useful medical books on my shelf. This is probably the only book I feel the need to purchase every time there is an updated edition. I strongly recommend it for medical students, residents, midlevel providers and practicing physicians. It is a core reference in medical board review. It may also be of value for nursing staff in the hospital or clinic setting, especially for critical care nurses, or for anyone who is motivated to learn about medical diagnosis. The book is less likely to be useful to patients and their families, due to its highly technical nature.

An indispensable guide. Thorough and complete. Very helpful both in determining what tests to order, and how to interpret test results; especially helpful for the less common and more esoteric tests.

I have been using this reference for several years. I can't practice medicine without it. I have made many esoteric diagnoses with it. It is extremely helpful whenever I have abnormal lab values, which do not seem to make sense at the time. Other lab references pale in comparison. Not only are abnormal labs explained, but the disease processes as well. I really like the way the book divides the elevated lab value from the decreased lab value, with their respective etiologies. An essential, excellent book!

This collection of aphorisms and thought provoking truths is relevant for anyone who cares for patients. I am on the Clinical Faculty at UC Davis Medical School and I make a point of giving a copy of this wonderful volume to those who study with me.

This is an invaluable little book , writen by someone with a great knowledge of medicine and of human nature. Warm, witty, pointing the way to attitudes in medical practice that bring back the best in doctor-patient relationships. A must for all medical students !

This is an excellent little book with a lot of wisdom. This would make a great gift for anyone in the medical field, especially students. Many years of experience are distilled into these 425 rules, and there is a lot of humor as well. Not particularly clinically oriented, the book stresses human behavior and patient assessment.

I've been reading and researching breast cancer on and off for 4 years. A year ago my breast cancer metasticized, and it's hard to find honest information (or any information) about metastatic disease. The title to this book is misleading, because it doesn't mention the fantastic, updated metastatic information. It is by far the most comprehensive, readable treatment of this I've found. I'm ordering several copies to give away.

My daughter was sitting with my husband and myself in the office of my radiation oncologist. She spotted "Living Beyond Breast Cancer" on the bookshelf. She like myself was so lost when we found I had breast cancer. Neither my husband, daughter or myself knew what was going to happen. She began reading the book and could not put it down. When the Dr. came into the room he made comment about the book she was reading. She was so elated with all the facts, which are printed in such simple language that we could understand. The Dr. saw her enthusiasm and offered for her to take it home. Since that time I have not been able to seperate myself from this book. As I progress thru my mastectomy, I find new items of interest. It also helped me understand what my partner, my husband, was feeling. I read one of the chapters to him, at our breakfast table. We sat and cried and agreed that the way he was feeling was as written in the book. I never realized just how much he hurt and how comforting it was to him to know there was a book written that could tell me how he felt.

I have since recommended this book to others. If you cannot get out to support groups or are afraid to go, this book gives you all the support you could ever ask for in the comfort of your home or office. I am 62 years old and a very active business woman. I wondered if my business life was over. The book proved my fears to be very wrong.

For myself and my daughter, it is our lifeline! Thank you Dr. Marisa Weiss and also Ellen Weiss. You have done a tremendous favor to women like me.

This is the type of book I've been wanting. It offers wonderful support and needed information. The authors are empathetic and straight forward, guiding us to reach beyond (hence the title, of course) the psychological boundaries that women who have survived a bout with breast cancer put on ourselves. It offers clear, concise suggestions for what to do now and for facing the future, which may or may not include a recurrance of breast cancer. There are sections which are not applicable to me, but this is bound to be true when a text is so comprehensive. After checking this book out of the library three times, I have realized that this is a book all women who have had breast cancer need to own for themselves.

Keeping up with technology is a big part of my job even though there is never enough time in the day. "Flash MX product tech" provides me with vital tips that Macromedia leaves out of their literature. Important issues about file structure and organization techniques, optimization, coding tips and much more. I am able to use this reference on a daily basis as I move through the process of developing a better understanding of Flash, making me a more confident flash developer.

I bought the Flash program a couple of years ago but never had got around to learning it in any comprehensive way. Finally, a potential project was looming on the horizon so I signed up for MD's online Flash Production class. It was great! As a working professional, she knows what's required to produce professional level work efficiently, and created for us a well-structured, comprehensive course. We went from being absolute newbies to competent production machines in just a semester (and with her unique style we had a lot of fun doing it, too!) The projects were well-planned and built up in complexity and scope to consolidate skills and impart professional production approaches and techniques. The class paid for itself almost immediately as I started to pick up some client projects. She's used the same great approach with this book, which is an excellent curriculum for getting started doing professional work in Flash MX.

Macromedia Flash MX Production Techniques is a must buy for your Flash MX library. As stated in the title, this book covers the aspects of efficient production. The book contains 11 chapters. Each chapter explains the Flash concepts that you need to understand in order to accomplish your production tasks. The procedures are written in a clear and logical style, followed by practice sessions. Although the book is written at a basic level, Flash users of all levels will benefit.

Many faith-based groups are afraid that use of psychiatry will undermine their theology, or be a pharmacologic cover up for a deeper issue. Elaine Eng's book beautiful integrates solid medical principle's of psychiatry, the appropriate and judicious use of medications, the value of cognitive behavioral therapy (Counseling), and the biblically based world view. I have given away copies of this book to patients, friends, and colleagues as a gentle way to understanding their own problems - and how they might find help for their concerns. The believable case studies help the reader identify with material, and hopefully, will lead to some self discovery about what forms of therapy will help them most.

Wonderfull book, with great information...a great read, and a sure recomendation to anyone.

This is a book (chiefly about anxiety disorders) that can be helpful to a wide audience. It uses a vignette to describe in conversational language the various types of anxiety disorders. It then gives a discussion of the disorder in more technical terms, but still quite understandable by a lay reader. I especially liked the end of each chapter where there are applications for ministers, the church and friends.

The book addresses the guilt associated with anxiety in the Christian culture. (How can I be anxious when I'm trusting God?) It has a gentle doctrinal touch that is inclusive of virtually all Christians. It's a hopeful, positive book.

I'd like to see a sequel on depressive disorders.

I have transverse myelitis, and am constantly searching for any published information on transverse myelitis. In my search, I included information on MS, since it is so closely related to TM. Most of the symptoms and treatments of symptoms are similar in MS and TM, and I found this book to be the most up-to-date, and a valuable reference guide to medications prescribed, how to understand why I am experiencing "sensations", and other questions that I have had. I carry this book wherever I go as a reference "manual". It is written in plain english, so it is easy to read and easy to understand.

I found this book extremely helpful as I am being evaluated for MS. Part of the proceeds benefit the MS Society and the author clearly wants to present the disease as he knows it- not as some harmless diagnosis nor some mythical death sentence. Should my possible diagnosis become definitive, I plan to send this book to my family members as what I believe is an accurrate description of life with MS and what lies in store.

This book gives the newly diagnosed or the newly interested person the facts of MS. It does not attempt to make you feel good, but leaves you knowing the truth, which for many is what they want to know. It tells you the (1995) treatments (needs update in this regard as new effective treatments continue to become available), gives you accurate stats on the likelihood of progression and other facts you want to know- like genetic susceptibility; tells you the myths about treatments that an MS'r is likely to run into, like curing with diet, vitamins, minerals and other "treatments" long since proven as having no curative value. It also gives helpful symptom relief data. It's a no-nonsense but thoughtful explanation of the truth- Thomas P. Anderson, Ph.D., Psychologist w/MS 10 Yrs.

This book is available from CMP Media, 30th Floor, 3 Park Avenue, N.Y., N.Y. 10016, Attention: Kristin Kazanowski, Phone: 212-600-3192. Price is $7.95 plus $4.00 s&h.

This is a well needed reference. It's rather small, about the size of a large pamphlet, but it's got an amazing amount of information packed into it. There aren't enough books out there describing this form of cancer. This one is very well written and I would recommend it for anyone diagnosed with ovarian cancer or anyone who knows and loves someone with ovarian cancer. It answers all the questions you might have and takes a serious look at the myths out there. It's very informative and easy to understand.

Very Informative. Easy to read and understand

Never before has such comprehensive and state-of-the-art medical information been so inviting and enjoyable. This superbly-written guide appeals to all, from the afflicted to the curious. It has become an integral part of my treatment algorithm. Finally--Chicken Soup for the pole!

If you have questions about impotence, this book has the answers!

Dr. Jones has taken a subject that in the best of circumstances is difficult to discuss, and made it practical and approachable. He dispels the myths about impotence in a humorous and tactful manner while providing hope and options for treatment. He combines useful information with humor in a style that is very appealing.

Anyone who wants/needs information about impotence should start with this book!

No matter your age or gender, if impotence--or fear of impotence--has crept into your life, buy this book NOW!

Dr. Stephen Jones, noted urologist and researcher, takes the mystery and trepidation out of this formerly-taboo topic with candor, thoroughness, and refreshing humor. (I laughed out loud, no kidding!) No aspect of the male sexual organ and its functioning is left undiscussed, nor is the female disregarded, for Dr. Jones helps the reader understand how the physical and psychological relationship between man and woman affects sexual satisfaction.

Eschewing jargon and technical language, Dr. Jones' down-to-earth, insightful, and respectful approach to his subject makes for a highly readable, easily understandable book. Readers learn what matters, what doesn't, and the many steps that can be taken to to eliminate or at least minimize erectile dysfunction. What a joy to find such a thorough and engaging book on this difficult subject.