FINALLY HOPEFUL by James Greenblatt

Nonfiction, Self-Help, Depression

3***

Thoughts: I was really looking forward to this book. I found the premise intriguing, but the outcome was troublesome to me. I loved that he was promoting functional psychiatry for depression—testing before treating. But…some of the tests he proposes cost hundreds of dollars and not everybody has the kind of insurance that will cover them. Then, when the tests results come in, he proposes specific types of supplements, the kind insurance won’t cover and very few people can afford. Plus, he specifies using a particular brand/company. Basically, this is more like An infomercial where they tell you what’s wrong, then tell you that they have the perfect solution—for a price.

I like the idea of functional psychiatry. According to the author, depression is not just in your head. It’s part of your entire body. Functional psychiatry treats the root cause. And he stresses that “one size (or med) does not fit all”. It combines medical science with nutrition and metabolism.

Overall, it’s an interesting book and there is some good information in there, but you have to wade through a lot of brand specific recommendations.

Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Blurb: A groundbreaking personalized model for psychiatric treatment of depression that helps readers identify their body’s unique interplay of nutritional factors, biochemistry, lifestyle and genetics for effective and lasting care. Major depression is one of the most common mental illnesses, affecting more than 21 million American adults and 3.7 million of our youth each year. And yet, the current one-size-fits-all medical model for psychiatric treatment of depression does not work for a significant portion of patients. Antidepressant medications are often treated as a magic bullet, but the truth is that depression is a complex mental and physical condition, influenced by nutrient intake and absorption, body chemistry, metabolism, genetics, hormones, food sensitivities, stressful life events, social support, and many other factors. In Finally Hopeful, functional psychiatrist Dr. James Greenblatt offers a new model of treatment that acknowledges that depression is not “all in your head,” but in your body. Dr. Greenblatt provides a unique guide to optimizing the nutrients, hormones, neurotransmitters, and many other biochemical factors that play a major role in most cases of depression. It is vital to address these physical factors using testing that customizes treatment to the individual, and Finally Hopeful outlines what tests you need; how to read the results for practical action; and how to work in conjunction with your physician. You’ll also gain key insights into antidepressants and feel empowered in seeking the answers you deserve. A functional psychiatry approach recognizes that depression has many causes and often requires a range of therapies, both drug and non-drug. Finally Hopeful makes the whole-body approach available to everyone, delivering real hope and relief.