You Mean I Don't Have to Feel This Way?: New Help for Depression, Anxiety, and Addiction

Dowling ( The Cinderella Complex) here challenges the popular belief that depression, panic disorder, addictions and a host of other psychiatric problems result from events in childhood psychologi cal influences or moral weakness. Witness to both her daughter's and husband's severe depression, the author became convinced that biochemical--not psychological--difficulties were the cause. She presents the latest research in brain chemistry and argues that a lack of serotonin--a natural ``feel-good'' chemical--is responsible for an array of mental and mood disorders. Alcoholics, for example, are attempting to replace the missing chemical and may be better helped through drug therapy than by 12-step and other nonmedical treatment programs. Similarly, people who suffer from chronic depression or anxiety attacks may be cured by taking antidepressives. Although well-written and carefully researched, the book oversimplifies a serious issue and, in effect, claims that all problems can be eradicated by taking a ``magic'' pill, while dismissing the role of traditional psychotherapy. Literary Guild and Doubleday Book Club alternates. (Jan.)