Rating: 
Summary: Found: A Gem Among the pile of Rocks!
Review: "The Biology of violence" by Debra Niehoff is the best book on the subject I have read. I've been through over 300 books in the last three months looking for a neuro-chemical link between aggression and violence, specifically "impulsive" aggression, that from which I have, at times, suffered its unpleasant effects.Niehoff clearly shows her education and scientific background through her writing. This book is throughougly and adeptly referenced down to the smallest detail. Every sentence informs, every page educates. I learned, for example, about the role of serotonin, the master hormone, and norepinephrine, and how they keep each other in check. One controls aggression, the other fear, both having specific receptors which, it is to be discovered, sometimes receive signals from other neurotransmitters and hormones (and also caffeine!). The role of environmental factors is given a fair and impartial comparison in conjunction with the actions of the body's hormones, increasing Niehoff's conclusion and credibility. There is far too much information to be absorbed briefly; a detailed study is in order, well worth its rewards. I have found this work to be monumental, and while not solving the total violence problem, will at least lead the reader to make better choices at the root: the diet (foods are converted to make certain hormones and neurotransmitters). Also of interest is the treatment of insulin and its role in the body. A complete, highly informative work, unparalleled in depth and understandability by the educated layperson. Top recommendation!
Rating:
Summary: Found: A Gem Among the pile of Rocks!
Review: "The Biology of violence" by Debra Niehoff is the best book on the subject I have read. I've been through over 300 books in the last three months looking for a neuro-chemical link between aggression and violence, specifically "impulsive" aggression, that from which I have, at times, suffered its unpleasant effects. Niehoff clearly shows her education and scientific background through her writing. This book is throughougly and adeptly referenced down to the smallest detail. Every sentence informs, every page educates. I learned, for example, about the role of serotonin, the master hormone, and norepinephrine, and how they keep each other in check. One controls aggression, the other fear, both having specific receptors which, it is to be discovered, sometimes receive signals from other neurotransmitters and hormones (and also caffeine!). The role of environmental factors is given a fair and impartial comparison in conjunction with the actions of the body's hormones, increasing Niehoff's conclusion and credibility. There is far too much information to be absorbed briefly; a detailed study is in order, well worth its rewards. I have found this work to be monumental, and while not solving the total violence problem, will at least lead the reader to make better choices at the root: the diet (foods are converted to make certain hormones and neurotransmitters). Also of interest is the treatment of insulin and its role in the body. A complete, highly informative work, unparalleled in depth and understandability by the educated layperson. Top recommendation!
Rating:
Summary: Found: A Gem Among the pile of Rocks!
Review: "The Biology of violence" by Debra Niehoff is the best book on the subject I have read. I've been through over 300 books in the last three months looking for a neuro-chemical link between aggression and violence, specifically "impulsive" aggression, that from which I have, at times, suffered its unpleasant effects. Niehoff clearly shows her education and scientific background through her writing. This book is throughougly and adeptly referenced down to the smallest detail. Every sentence informs, every page educates. I learned, for example, about the role of serotonin, the master hormone, and norepinephrine, and how they keep each other in check. One controls aggression, the other fear, both having specific receptors which, it is to be discovered, sometimes receive signals from other neurotransmitters and hormones (and also caffeine!). The role of environmental factors is given a fair and impartial comparison in conjunction with the actions of the body's hormones, increasing Niehoff's conclusion and credibility. There is far too much information to be absorbed briefly; a detailed study is in order, well worth its rewards. I have found this work to be monumental, and while not solving the total violence problem, will at least lead the reader to make better choices at the root: the diet (foods are converted to make certain hormones and neurotransmitters). Also of interest is the treatment of insulin and its role in the body. A complete, highly informative work, unparalleled in depth and understandability by the educated layperson. Top recommendation!
Rating: 
Summary: The Biology of Violence
Review: As a distinguished Doctor of Pyschology, this is an excellent book in analizing the mind of a....nevermind.
Rating:
Summary: Indispensable Book
Review: I have read widely in neuropsychology and neurobiology over the last five years by necessity. This book is written by an expert with a thorough grasp of her material and the English language. This is a book with the depth needed by professionals (psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, law enforcement, probation, attorneys, judges, etc.) and the accessibility needed by laymen. Niehoff's analogies simplify complex interrelationships. Her analysis is compassionate, realistic, and sound. Her discussion of working memory and aggressive behavior is indispensible for parents of TBI children. Her discussion of PTSD and of the interplay between nature and nurture are lucid and compelling. She has an excellent introduction to brain functioning that readers will readily appreciate. When I consider the strength of the book I felt that the conclusion was somewhat weak; however, this should not deter potential readers. In another books, I would have considered the conclusion strong. I think highly enough of this book to have two copies. One for my bookshelf and the other to loan to those concerned with aggression and violence.
Rating:
Summary: Indispensible survey of new scientific findings
Review: If you wonder what happened in Littleton, Colorado -- or why ADHD is so widespread, how cocaine influences the brain, and who is most likely to commit a crime under the influence of alcohol, Niehoff's book is MUST reading. This is a clear, balanced, and readily accessible survey of new work in neuroscience and behavior genetics. While my own research has revealed an additional factor (lead, manganese, or cadmium toxicity, lowering the levels of the key neurotransmitters Niehof analyzes), the basic science is all here. Given the total failure of the social workers, psychologists, teachers, and police to figure out what happens when kids go beserk, it is astonishing that this wonderful book has not had more public attention. Prof. Roger D. Masters (Dartmouth College)
Rating:
Summary: A Primer for Anger Management
Review: This is an excellent book, well written and very intensive for understanding the dynamics involved in aggression. I find this book a primer in anger control and every helping professional must have this one available for their reference.
Rating:
Summary: A Primer for Anger Management
Review: This is an excellent book, well written and very intensive for understanding the dynamics involved in aggression. I find this book a primer in anger control and every helping professional must have this one available for their reference.
Rating:
Summary: A college sstudent in southern California
Review: this is an very good book, the evidence i present from this book in my sociology class leaves the professor annoyed with me.
Rating:
Summary: A college sstudent in southern California
Review: This was an excellent book. Well written and easy to read. A book grounded in research rather than speculation. I recommend this book to anyone who who wants a better understanding of the complexities of violent behavior or who must work with violent people. I have added this book to the recommended reading list on my web site and will strongly recommend it to my students. David Center, Ph.D.
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