LINKS - Click on the following to link to a wealth of resources and opportunities for support:
NAMI (the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill) - a superb source of information and support for patients and families of individuals with mental illness. This site will also help you locate meeting places and times of local NAMI chapters.
APA (the American Psychiatric Association) - offers information about psychiatric conditions, special groups, hot topics, and mental health advocacy.
NIMH (the National Institute of Mental Health) - offers superb printable educational pamphlets on all major mental disorders, in English and Spanish.
Mayo Clinic- A favorite website for straightforward evidence-based information on almost any medical conditions, including psychiatric disorders; also contains good information on drugs and supplements, medical tests, and healthy lifestyles.
DBSA (Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance) - Information and support groups for individuals with mood disorders.
Anxiety Disorders Association of America- Information and support for individuals with anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, social anxiety disorder and generalized anxiety disorder.
CHADD (Children and Adults with ADHD) - Information and support for individuals with ADHD.
MGH Women's Mental Health Program- Up-to-date scientific information for women, especially those with mental health conditions who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or contemplating pregnancy. Information includes what is known about the safety and risks of specific psychiatric medications with regard to the developing fetus or nursing infant.
AA(Alcoholics Anonymous) - Countless individuals credit this organization for their recovery from alcoholism, and for literally saving their lives. And it's free.
NA (Narcotics Anonymous) - like AA, for those whose addiction is to narcotics, cocaine or amphetamines.
Runner's World - No, it's not about mental illness. But as a runner, Dr. Murphy loves this website for it's excellent advice for those beginning a running program (great for your mental health!); also good information on nutrition and weight loss. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BOOKS - These books have been recommended by clinicians and patients as especially helpful. We welcome your suggestions for additions to this list.
Bipolar Disorder Unquiet Mind, by Kay Redfield Jamison. Now a professor at John's Hopkins Medical School, this is a moving testimonial about Dr. Jamison's personal journey with bipolar disorder. The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide: What You and Your Family Need to Know, by D.J. Miklowitz. New Hope for People with Bipolar Disorder, by J. Fawcett.
Depression Coping with Depression, by Jon Allen. A new and comprehensive guide for patients and families. The Feeling Good Handbook, by D.D. Burns.
ADHD Driven to Distraction, by Edward M. Hallowell M.D. and John J. Ratey. A mind-opening description of the many ways in which ADHD affects one's life, in school and out. A companion piece: Delivered from Distraction, also by Edward M. Hallowell M.D. and John J. Ratey. You Mean I'm Not Lazy, Stupid or Crazy?!, by Kate Kelly, and Peggy Ramundo; a classic self-help good for adults with ADHD.
Oppositional Defiant Disorder The Explosive Child, by Ross W. Greene. Offers parents "a new approach for understanding and parenting easily frustrated, chronically inflexible children," earning high reviews from readers. The Defiant Child, by Douglas Riley; a valuable resource for parents trying to learn the special parenting strategies that have proven most effective with defiant children.
Anxiety Disorders The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook, by Edmund J. Bourne. Describes the several specific anxiety disorders, their causes and treatments - both medical and psychotherapeutic. The Worry Cure: Seven Steps to Stop Worry From Stopping You, by R.J. Leahy. When Panic Attacks, by D.D. Burns. Mastery of Your Anxiety and Panic Workbook, by D.H. Barlow and M.G. Crake. Triumph Over Shyness, by M.B. Stein and R.J. Walker
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder The OCD Workbook: Your Guide to Breaking Free from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, by Bruce Hyman and Cherlene Pedrick. Highly effective strategies for those who practice them. Tormenting Thoughts and Secret Rituals,by I. Osborn. When Perfect Isn't Good Enough, by M.M. Antony and R.P. Swindon. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------