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Rating: 
Summary: A sure-fire bestseller
Review: Anyone who has ever thought that he might have some psychological problems should read this book. Why, then, do I give it only a 5?Because, in spite of years of extremely suggestive research on the role of brain chemistry in personality and psychological disorders, there are still no objective biochemical tests for the presence of such disorders. If the diagnosis is still based on talk and history, rather than chemistry, the causal connection assumed by the authors between chemistry and disorder must be regarded with skepticism. Nevertheless, it is abundantly clear that the pharmacological therapies (Ritalin, Prozac, etc.) actually work -- in some sense, at least -- and can have major life-changing effects. Indeed, that's the problem with psychopharmacology described in, e.g., _Listening_to_Prozac_: How much should we allow our personalities to be affected by the pills we take? If you function "well enough", is it ethical for you to be given medication that will make you "better than well"? Finally, for those familiar with the traditional and ancient theories of personality (or character) based on humours (melancholic, saturnine, phlegmatic, splenetic), the book provides a thought-provoking new take. Not one, I hasten to add, that the authors endorse -- I don't recall even an allustion to it -- but one I was quite struck by
Rating: 
Summary: Ignore the skeptics...read this book
Review: Especially if you live with engineers or computer nerds. Find out what makes them tick--or tock! They are different, for good reasons. We ALL are different, for good reasons! Find YOUR reason! A little depression, a little obsessive-compulsive disorder, a little hypomania (which sounds like a lot of fun!) And what to do about it--if anything. Extremely interesting, eye-opening! Could save many foundering friendships and marriages.
Rating: 
Summary: Amusing & Informative
Review: I found this one at a dollar store, and devoured it. Very readable considering it's medical nonfiction, no doubt because of Catherine Johnson, who's really a magazine writer. Part of the interest lies in the somewhat disturbing notion that, given the soft definition of the major mental illnesses such as ADD and depression, most people we know could qualify for a diagnosis of a "shadow syndrome." If you're willing to accept this revelation, then the explanation behind the theory, which is basically that the brain's biochemistry is responsible for generating much of what we normally think of as "moods" or "personality," will be fascinating, especially considering that Ratey and Johnson are careful not to imply that biochemistry is the sole explanation for everything we think and feel. In fact, they do a fine job of integrating biochemistry and classical psychology as the driving forces of who we are. The book is also readable because of its nifty organization: a shadow per chapter, and soon you're an expert (or at least you could think of yourself as one, especially if you're slightly hypomanic). In addition, there's lots of compelling case studies inserted into the explanations. Overall just very readable and interesting, especially as an introduction to the latest styles of crazy. Would be most useful to someone attempting to learn about these issues from scratch, since the book doesn't necessarily reveal too much in-depth information. I rate it low because it ultimately leaves you with little to go on, other than a better understanding (perhaps) and a "take-it-for-your-family" view of psychopharmacology (potentially useful). Other than this, some parting words on exercise (karate: oh brother) do little to justify a perfunctory section on "the care and feeding of the brain." This is an informative, not an empowering, read.
Rating: 
Summary: Absorbingly, elegantly written. A manual for our times
Review: I have the same policy as another reviewer: I buy a book only after I've read the library's copy. This is a book I've since bought several times, for my personal library and to give away. As a writer, I was struck by how beautifully complicated subjects are expressed. So clear and understandable, so within the non-clinician's grasp. You will read about the puzzling behaviors of many people you know in these pages. And, you will see how as we unravel the mysteries of this "last frontier" -- the brain -- we are gaining a future that is brighter with hope and dreams fulfilled and peace for all of us. I cannot recommend this book highly enough to anyone who wants to understand why people are troubled or troubling in the way they are and how life could be different for them.
Rating:
Summary: A fascinating read!
Review: I heard John Ratey speak at a conference on ADD, and had to read this book. He provides fascinating insight into the brain and the origins of mental health disorders. When you read this book you may recognize yourself or other people in your life. Little quirks in personality will suddenly make sense to you. Addictions may be better understood as self-medicating as he explains the effects drugs have on different areas of the brain.
If you are at all interested in mental health issues, you have to read this book. It could change your perception of mental illness.
Rating:
Summary: Gifted Schizoid Personalities Part of Autism Spectrum
Review: I would hazard a guess that those who were so vehement in their dislike of this book did not read it thoroughly. Several of their references were taken out of context or misunderstood altogether. For those who feel compelled to read this book, there is a reason. Either you or someone you know could be helped by understanding the biology of your/their behavior. This knowledge gives hope to those who are challenged by their own behavior and empowerment to take responsibility for necessary and desired change.
Rating:
Summary: A "Must" read...even for those who can't finish a book.
Review: Not only have I read Shadow Syndromes, and not only have I read most if not all of Ratey's other works, but I've met him, he has interviewed me and testified on my behalf, and I got him to his plane [just] on time! It was one of the wilder rides of our lives!
He is a very human being; it shines through in his treatment of his subjects, be they abstract concepts, like emotion and memory, or real people, as he describes in his books.
Even if one cannot finish a book...who of us with attentional problems can?!...this is the one to try, because one doesn't have to read it all! Just the first and last chapters are worth the admission fee; they explain the issue completely. And with one or two chapters from the middle, which detail specific conditions, one has a full experience!
For anyone looking for a page or two to be convinced, I suggest the last two pages of the chapter on ADD: Prisoners of the Present; Ratey's description shows the depth of his understanding of not only the clinical manifestations but also the very real, personal, and agonizing element of how this condition affects the soul.
Again, I say, this is a "must read" for any, but especially those of us who can't finish a book.
Rating:
Summary: A beautiful job! Don't miss out.
Review: When one has suffered as intensely and for as long with many of the mental disorders described in this book--both major and mild--as I and 4 generations in my family have, FERVENT applause goes to Dr. Ratey for his elegant work. I can attest to his astonishing expertise and extraordinary compassion in this practical, uplifting, fascinating book. The authors make it look easy, but don't be deceived by the lack of jargon. The data is sound. Perhaps your interior life isn't as "interesting" as mine (bipolar II (hypomania), OCD, ADD, a soupcon of autism, a touch of Tourette's, and an eating disorder). You will still learn a lot and enjoy the process. I gained more profound personal insights in one brisk reading of Shadow Syndromes than I did in the last 40 years of slogging from crisis to crisis. Seeing some answers to my deepest, scariest questions about my conditions both moved and elated me. If the truth makes you free, then I am soaring right over the rainbow!
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