Psychiatry Made Simple

About the Book

Have you ever met a psychiatrist at a cocktail party and asked whether he or she was going to psychoanalyze you? This is your chance to learn how a shrink thinks. Why is everyone bipolar these days? And where did all these panic attacks come from? When does someone go from eccentric to psychotic? What is the basis for behavior—is it learned, programmed, or biological? Why do most of us make such irrational decisions? And how did life become so stressful in the land of promise and plenty? Why does everyone and his dog seem to be taking Zoloft? These questions and many more are all addressed in this highly readable guide to psychiatry, which is based on twenty-four years of clinical experience. Dr. Pete is a Yale graduate who has won teaching awards, given dozens of presentations, and helped thousands of frustrated patients learn more about how to take care of themselves. Patient testimonials include “very knowledgeable and attentive,” “compassionate and patient,” “gives practical advice and solutions,” “encourages problem-solving skills,” “wonderful results,” and lastly, “he’s good.”

About the Author

Dr. Pete is a seasoned and caring professional with 24 years of experience treating a wide range of psychiatric conditions, from neurosis to psychosis, from mania to catatonia. He writes about his varied experiences in an informal, easily accessible style which sheds light on the confusing field of behavioral health. How do we separate "different" or unusual behavior from true disorders? Why do people suffer from so much stress these days, in spite of our high standard of living and our access to effective treatments? How does a psychiatrist choose between Zoloft and Wellbutrin? Does psychiatric illness result mostly from our genes or our genesis? And why do most people make such irrational decisions? We seem to choose quite poorly - jobs we resent, spouses we divorce, homes we try to sell two years after moving in, doctors who try to help us but only get two visits to do so before they are dismissed. Dr. Pete offers a stimulating discussion about all of these topics and more in this guide to our mental health. He views his work as preventive in that he strives to motivate patients to care for themselves emotionally, physically, medically, financially and spiritually. He also attempts to move patients away from an overly responsible and anxious mode, to a focus on rewarding and health-minded behavior. In fact he hopes to set an example for his patients by cycling to his office, spending time on the beach or in the sailboat, relaxing in his wildflower garden and - most importantly - reflecting on how to improve as a healer. He resides on the Jersey Shore with his family, and is often found reading or writing in various parts of the house.