Dangerous Secrets

Fülszöveg

About Dangerous Secrets
"Human beings, in addition to their virtues, are aggregations of flaws and forebodings that often erupt into painful episodes. What is most significant and interesting about these episodes is that there is a direct relationship between the unrecognized nature of the causes and the problems they present—both for the individuals involved and for society. The value of Dr. Weissberg's book is that he introduces people to the phenomena of their dangerous weaknesses or drives and enables them to realize that they are not locked into harmful behavior—to themselves or others. He has written a practical book that can be helpful even to those who believe, often mistakenly, that they are beyond destructive thoughts and impulses."
—Norman Cousins
"The information, insights, and perceptions in this book should become part of everyone's education. Only if this is accomplished will the people affected by these tragic human problems receive the attention and care they... Tovább

Fülszöveg

About Dangerous Secrets
"Human beings, in addition to their virtues, are aggregations of flaws and forebodings that often erupt into painful episodes. What is most significant and interesting about these episodes is that there is a direct relationship between the unrecognized nature of the causes and the problems they present—both for the individuals involved and for society. The value of Dr. Weissberg's book is that he introduces people to the phenomena of their dangerous weaknesses or drives and enables them to realize that they are not locked into harmful behavior—to themselves or others. He has written a practical book that can be helpful even to those who believe, often mistakenly, that they are beyond destructive thoughts and impulses."
—Norman Cousins
"The information, insights, and perceptions in this book should become part of everyone's education. Only if this is accomplished will the people affected by these tragic human problems receive the attention and care they need."
—Herbert Pardes, M.D.
Director, National Institute of Mental Health
Dangerous Secrets
MALADAPTIVE RESPONSES TO STRESS
Michael Weissberg, M.D.
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Most truly dangerous behaviors take place among people who know each other, sometimes very well. Denial and guilt often keep the problems secret until events occur that no longer can be ignored. Prime examples are child abuse, incest, spouse abuse, and suicide. Alcoholism, because of its ability to heat up the atmosphere, must also be included.
People in trouble, bound by their personal histories, try to gain control by repeating what happened in the past. The observers anxiety often interferes with a realistic appraisal of those at risk. Friends, family, and clinicians see what they want to see and can overlook clues that have existed for a lifetime.
As this book demonstrates, constructive responses can replace well-meaning but bewildered interventions or, as is often the case, harmful inaction. After a general chapter on stress and the maladaptive response, individual sections about the five dangerous behaviors train the reader in observation and helpful intervention. The last chapter, an outline of what constitutes good psychiatric care, describes how patients and their families can participate more knowledgeably in their treatment and how clinicians can become more effective psychotherapists. Vissza