Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy [Englisch] [Taschenbuch]

One of the greatest parts about the book is that Dr. Burns' model of cognitive behavioral therapy is very thorough, yet it is easy to understand and incorporate into one's daily living. He recommends cognitive behavioral therapy as the first line defense in dealing with mood disorders. However, the beauty of the book lies in the fact that Dr. Burns does not simply dismiss psychotropic medications. He clearly states that medications in addition to his therapeutic techniques are wholly appropriate for many people. In fact, it this updated edition he goes into detail about the different classes and types of drug options available on the market today. This approach is refreshing for someone who is benefitting from the use of medication and wanting to incorporate cognitive behavioral therapy into their recovery without having to read a book which outright dismisses the role of medication in treatment.

Also of special significance is his list of 10 'Cognitive Distortions'. Here, he lays out a plan for recognizing faulty thinking, how these thoughts affect our moods, and how to correct these distortions.

In summation, Dr. Burns' book is a practical encapsulation of the ideas and theories of some of the great pioneers in the field of mental health such as Drs. Abraham Low, Albert Ellis, and Aaron Beck.

If you made it this far to decide whether or not to buy this book, read some of the other reviews then put it in your cart.

He also keeps throwing kisses at Dr. Beck and at himself (need for self-assurance?).
It has been clinically demonstrated that depression is due to a complex chemical alteration of the metabolism of neurotransmitters.
The result is that the patient acts "strangely" for months or years and this behavior bears heavily on his/hers social, affective and working life.
Once treated by a competent psychiatrist, the patient MAY beneficiate from some SOLID counseling to re-learn and re-adapt to "normal" social life and to attempt to REPAIR the damages created by depression to any sort of relationship with onself and others.
A depressed patient simply DOES NOT HAVE the stamina to go through 400 plus pages of exercises and examples, let alone go around with a wrist counter, clicking away!!

This book could lead depressed patients to even more deep depression once they find that they fail to complete the "exercises" and they would feel more "worthless" (they are not) and have even less stamina for life than before.
I find that this book, like the vast majority of self-help books, helps very well the purposes and the bank accounts of their authors.
If you are depressed you only need one thing: to be taken care of by a competent doctor until you can walk on your 2 feet again.