This recently released book describes new ideas for treating mental illness with existing pharmaceutical drugs. Such ideas may represent an improvement in the treatment of these illnesses relative to conventional drug and non-drug treatment methods. The book also contains a number of other new ideas about the brain and how drugs work. It is written for the general reader, as well as more specialized readers.

The book synthesizes information from the scientific literature, popular literature, and personal experience into a simple model of brain chemistry that is easy to understand. The model is based on the interaction of three brain chemicals—serotonin (ser), norepinephrine (nore), and dopamine (dop); the “Big Three”—that are acted upon by many psychiatric medications. It suggests that different "strengths" (i.e., the combination of the brain level of the chemical and the sensitivity of the brain circuitry to that level) of these three chemicals affect different personality characteristics, and that the strength of at least one of the three is awry in most cases of mental illness, including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and others. Tweaking the strengths of the Big Three with existing drugs to mid-range and therefore optimal degrees not only treats most types of mental illness, but also will produce an improvement in quality of life for most people who are considered normal.

On this website (under See The Book Now) I have posted the chapters of the book that are essential to understanding and implementing the theory with the help of a professional health care provider. Chapter 10 provides the most specific information on individual mental illnesses, though I suggest that you read the other chapters as well, in their proper order. The book was released in paperback form on October 26, 2007 in bookstores and through the various Internet retailers such as Amazon.com.

Thank you very much for visiting my website and please let me know if I may be of further assistance.

Abridged Endorsements:

“Fascinating, enthralling, and controversial…”   Dr. Ryan K. Lanier, PhD, Behavioral Pharmacologist, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

“Much has been written about antidepressant drugs but few authors have addressed the synergies that may exist between different agents so that carefully designed combination therapy may help unresponsive patients…”  Dr. Solomon Snyder, MD, founder and former head of the Neuroscience Department at Johns Hopkins University, Lasker Award winner

“This splendid book follows in the tradition of suffering scientists who present both a harrowing personal narrative and an up-to-date scientific understanding of mood disorders in particular and psychiatry in general…” Dr. Arnold E. Andersen, MD, Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa College of Medicine

“…Anyone interested in mental health and psychopharmacology will find it a fascinating read.” Dr. David T. Blake, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Neurology, Medical College of Georgia

“Dr. Fitzgerald's book offers a clear and in-depth understanding and explanation of mental illness from the perspective of both patient and scientist ... ” Dr. Michael Heitt, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

“Paul Fitzgerald has written a concise and easy to read book on the use of drugs to treat mental illness ...”  Dr. Joseph LeDoux, PhD, University Professor, New York University, author of The Emotional Brain and Synaptic Self

“…It makes fascinating reading both for the wealth of information it provides and for its deep social and philosophical implications.” Dr. Christos Constantinidis, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Neurobiology & Anatomy, Wake Forest University School of Medicine

Caveat:

The information contained in this book is based upon the research, personal experiences, and ideas of the author, and is not intended to substitute for consulting with your physician or other health care provider. Any attempt to diagnose and treat an illness should be done under the direction of a health care professional.

The publisher does not advocate the use of any particular health care protocol, but believes that the information in this book should be available to the public. The publisher and author are not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any of the suggestions, treatments, or procedures discussed in this book. Should the reader have any questions concerning the appropriateness of any suggestion, treatment, or procedure mentioned, the author and the publisher strongly suggest consulting a professional health care provider.