WHOLE PSYCHIATRY

"Reader Reviews"

Bob, I just came back from my asthma doctor.  Passed the pulmonary function test with flying colors!  It has been many years, since I have had 97% total breathing capacity.  Also the % capacity of my lungs not affected by the asthma has gone from 49% to 67% which she says is EXCELLENT.  This time instead of having to blow out 10 candles, I had to blow over 3 houses.  First test, I did 2 ½.  Of course, bull headed me was going to finish the job, so I got the adrenalin going & down went the 3rd house.  It almost took the wind out of me, but I survived

Of course I was boasting about you & how you have changed the health of my life.  She was smiling as I was speaking. She told me to send her regards, but that you might not remember her.  It turns out that you two shared an office 20 years ago! 

M.S.

Dear Dr. Hedaya,

Mary and I know that she would not be here today if you had not accepted her for treatment in October 1998. As you know, we had been to Menningers, Mayo and Johns Hopkins and, as far as I know, your "Whole Psychiatry" approach was "one of a kind" at that time. Since moving to Arizona we are fortunate to have found Dr. Parrish, who admires your expertise and has worked with you to advance Mary's recovery.

Our original Psychiatrist advised me that Mary, then 71 years of age, was afflicted with early stages of dementia that probably was not reversible. During our many months of searching for a cure this diagnosis was often suggested. If these doctors would see her at 75 years of age, I know they would be amazed. Mary now works with a trainer for an hour three days a week--weights and machines on Mondays and aerobics Wednesdays and Fridays. She has regained her self-confidence and looks and feels years younger than her age.

We therefore believe in what you propose to do in your ability to provide years of "life worth living" to people who otherwise are facing living hell.

Sincerely,

Dick and Mary

Dr Hedaya

Thank you for the advice, believe me you have been helpful. I have learned so very much from your book and it has helped me help my brother-in-law understand my sister and his daughter. Thank you EB

Dear Dr. Hedaya

Thanks so much for writing the Antidepressant Survival Guide. This book is amazing!!

I'm a 27 year old, CPA, excellent school/career background. As I started my MBA I felt into a severe depression. A year has passed since that; my psychiatrist has kept me with Prozac, Klonopin, Xanax and some other medications. I still not feel the same person as I was before. It's like half of me is somewhere hidden and I can't find him back.

I already did the Five days jump start, however I need to find a physician who may guide me to fool recovery. I leave in San Juan, Puerto Rico and I thought maybe you can refer me to a local physician or psychopharmacologist in my area. I'm really frustrated with my condition; which has caused me several other consequences. Every day, I wake up "hoping to be back" , but after a year' I feel frustrated, disappointed and alone. I am even willing to flight to Maryland to meet with you and discuss my case. I really need help from someone. I've tried many doctors but it seems that they don't bother about my symptoms. Maybe you can give me a little light at the end of this terrible tunnel.

I will appreciate to contact you and try to work on my case. I WANT MY LIFE BACK!!! But I don't know how….

I hope you can give me some guidance.

Sincerely,
SV

19th November 2001

Dear Dr. Hedaya,

This note is to thank you for the amazing positive impact your book has made on my life.

I used to suffer from clinical Depression for years. I took an array of medicines of the highest potency, for 2 years with absolutely no effect - either positive or negative. Ultimately I gave up on medicines.

I stumbled on to your book - The Antidepressant Survival Guide. And although I wasn't suffering from any of the side effects of the medicines, I read the book cover to cover. The book made so much sense that I decided to follow it and did so to the letter. I showed the book to my physician and psychiatrist. They both helped me in getting all the tests done. I effected the required changes in the life style - nutritional, exercising. Consistency was the key. I had always been good in terms of nutrition and exercising, but my work and the business travel used to throw me off the schedule all the time. I was committed to your program. I worked strictly locally for 4 months and during those 4 months, lost about 30 pounds. Weight was always the cause and/or the effect in my vicious cycle of Depression. I am glad that things worked out in the manner, which helped me continue with the plan for that duration. Now it has become my way of life - not just a diet, not a temporary exercise program.

Now I am a symbol of bubbling enthusizm. There is not a drop of depression left in me. I am recommending your book to everyone I feel might use it and benefit from it. I stress that, this book doesn't just cure the side effects of depression medicines, it paves a way for emotionally healthy life.

I can't thank you enough. I pray that more and more people benefit from your book.

With Best wishes,
NJ

5/10/01
Dr. Hedaya. First a word of profound thanks. After reading your book, I went to my primary care doctor and, for the time, got him to authorize all three of the thyroid tests you recommend (T3, free I4, TSH); the results were exactly what you had indicated for subclinical hypo-thyroidism. I faxed him the full chapter from your book, he checked the research and the findings with three endocrinologists at Northwestern Memorial (where he is also on the faculty) -- and they agreed with your analysis and citations. For the first time in more than a year, my antidepressant is working and I'm regaining my energy and enthusiasm for life!!! THANK YOU!

I have also recommended your book to several doctors, clinical psychologists and friends. It is a life saver.
Janet K.

4/01
My new Primary Care Physician, has received the results of the blood work you had prescribed and he had drawn in early April. He wants to review the results with me, mainly due to HIGH CHOLESTEROL. But the blood work shows a new total of 288... down quite a bit from the 354 that was reported from my initial evaluation in February!! That's good news. The work we're doing is already starting to payoff. Rich K.

3/14/01
I just completed your book "The Antidepressant Survival Guide" and found it to be fascinating. Thanks for writing this book, its given me hope when I thought there was none left. M.P.

2/12/01
I attribute the improvement in my mental and physical health to the changes that I have implemented as a result of medical and psychopharmacological advice provided by Dr. Hedaya. Although I have been treated for depression since 1993, it was only 7 months after seeing Dr. Hedaya for the first time in March 2000 that my depression started to go away and my physical health began to improve. I strongly believe that his treatment advice had a profound impact on my health. M.G.

3/11/01
I've come to enjoy the mental clarity of absolute sobriety! R.K.

2/27/01
I want to thank you for the last session and tell you how much I appreciated it and you even if it didn't appear so. You are very human and humane as well as so excellent in your profession. You are to me a warm and caring person beyond your professional wisdom. P.B.

1/8/01
I read with great interest your book" The Antidepressant Survival Program." D.N.

1/31/01
I will try your program as it seems like a healthy way to live, period! I will look forward to reading; any other books you may put out in the future. K.D.

1/16/01
First of all, let me thank you for your informative and much needed book, The Antidepressant Survival Program. I am attempting to integrate its recommendations into my Iife. S. E.

1/7/01
I read your wonderful book "Antidepressant Survival Program" and I was quite impressed about the number of people you've helped. R.M.

1/2/01
I purchased your book last spring and found it extremely informative. R.K

12/18/00
I've been following the nutritional plan to date - I've lost 25lbs since Oct. 20th and quite honestly, am feeling great. My mind is clear and mood has lifted significantly. Thank you for your help and expertise. S.J.

2000
I like this book on depression and how to become well with minimal side effects when antidepressants are needed. I have often wished that the whole spectrum of treatment would be described in one book where the proper use of antidepressants is dealt with, side effects and toxic properties described, advice given how to minimize them, and where proper attention is given to food, to allergies, to digestion, to the hormones such as thyroid, and to the vitamins and other nutrients that do play a significant role. At last we have it; this book by Dr. Hedaya fulfills my wish. Every orthomolecular psychiatrist will attest to the value of this kind of a program, I am grateful for this book which puts it all together so easily and so well. Both orthodox and orthomolecular therapists will find this book very helpful in their practice. A.H.

10/12/00
This is a note of appreciation really to thank you for writing your excellent book, "The Antidepressant Survival Program." Yours is the only book I've found specifically addressing SSRI problems. Thank you for writing it - a book that addresses the problems of and comforts the very few of us who did not have an optimal experience. This is the only way to get the word out to people who, like me might be having frightening experiences with no where to turn. I am sure your patients must benefit so much from your compassion, caring and keen insight. L.J.

11 /1/2000
On behalf of the Washington Adventist Hospital Department of Psychiatry, I would like to thank you for your presentation in our conference entitled "Integrating Traditional and Holistic Approaches to Mental Health." Your thought provoking discussion on "whole psychiatry" was well received. The feedback from our conference attendee on your presentation was most favorable. We appreciate your contribution notwithstanding your busy schedule. N.F.

10/24/00
I was introduced to your book by a former client who looks better than I can remember. I bought your book and reached the conclusion that you offer the scientific side of my education which has been sadly lacking. I am going to go on your diet and use myself as a test subject. M.T.

10/04/2000
I want to thank you for the anti-depressant survival book and the program which to and for me has been a miracle. I cannot believe the change it has made in my life. I am alive again... My brain is now clear, my heartburn is gone and I have lost 1 and one half pegs on my belt and on and on and on the plus side. I am starting projects that have been on the back burner and hope to resurrect a part time Law Practice. Thanks to you I am a kid again at the young age of 69. A.H.

9/15/2000
I read your dialogue on WebMD.com and then looked at your web site. You sound like someone who could help me. S.C.

9/16/2000
Your book the "Antidepressant Survival Program" was like a miracle. M.T.

9/7/2000
I was at the library yesterday and stumbled across your book "Antidepressant Survival Guide"... I couldn't wait to get home, get the kids to bed and begin reading it. By the way, I plan on doing the JUMP START soon! M.Y.

8/13/00
I have just purchased and read your book "Antidepressant Survival Guide." It is an excellent book on a subject that has great value to all of us who are dealing with and managing our depression. D.A.

7/23/00
I found your web site and was very impressed with your comprehensive approach. G.A.

2/00
We found your book (The Antidepressant Survival…) most interesting. M.F.

2/00
Your book has given me a lot of hope in this confusing process of healing fear/depression. I find you and your work interesting and dynamic. Keep up the excellent work. T.E.

3/00
His article on the side effects of antidepressants rang bells for me. A.C.

3/00
After purchasing, reading and thoroughly enjoying The Antidepressant Survival Program, I am planning to attempt to incorporate many of your suggestions as I help my teenage daughter struggle with the side effects of Prozac. S.M.

3/00
When my husband saw the article in The Washington Post he called me and brought home a. copy of The Antidepressant Survival Program that evening. By the next evening I had read the entire book (including sections out loud to my husband and family), and we all felt as if our prayers had been answered, I've already told my therapist, our marriage counselor, and my family doctor about your approach, I couldn't believe that your practice was so close and accepting new patients. (I would have traveled around the world for such help!) Even if you can not see me as a patient, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for writing your book. (The clinical example about "Nancy" on your web site was also a beacon of hope for me.) God Bless you for caring enough, having the courage to go outside the "norm" of treatment guidelines, and for taking the time to do the research required to help patients have the full lives they deserve! J.H.

3/00
I read your book on antidepressants today and was very impressed. E.B.

3/00
I sat down and read your new book from cover to cover last night. (The Anti-Depressant Survival Program). I wanted to thank you for a MUCH needed book for all of us on antidepressants, I'm hoping that I will soon see you on Oprah getting the word out on your experience counteracting the side effects on antidepressant use. Thank you again for your book, and all the research and work with your clients that went into being able to share this with the public. M.D

3/00
I just wanted you to now that I was so impressed with this information that I bought the book last night and recommended it to my therapist and members of group therapy. Thank you so much for the information and please keep me abreast of any farther readings that might be of assistance. L.Z.

4/00
I can't say enough about how helpful this program has been for me. I'm on Zoloft, and since I've been using Dr. Hedaya's program I feel great, I've got tons of energy. I've got NO side effects, and my psychopharmacologist is talking about lowering my dosage! (Reader from New York, New York)

4/00
Dr. Hedaya, Hi! I am happy to report, I've been off sugar for 2 weeks, been on the diet for almost that, and am down to 1 cup of coffee a day, am weaning off...I can now at least get some of my old clothes back on, but not zip yet, energy levels are slowly coming back up. M.B.

4/00
Just finished the book. As a dietitian I was thrilled with the sections on anemias. I also see a lot of female patients who have not had an estrogen profile done and they are on medication for depression, when they really need hormone therapy, soy or natural herbs. R.D.

4/00
I love it! Congratulations on your ground breaking publication that addresses the holistic spectrum of critical issues facing those of us who suffer from depression. R.S.

4/00
I got the book by Dr. Robert Hedaya, The Anti-Depressant Survival Program. Though I'm not all the way off nicotine, I've cut way down on the caffeine. BUT, the diet is great, he is really not a lot like Atkins, he says too much protein is hard on the kidneys. Anyway, for the first time since I've been on my meds. I'm starting to lose weight! My energy levels are better, and he goes into stuff like the ssri's can and will turn on you and eventually cause weight gain. Also, since I have quit sugar, my depressions are better. Thanks for the info, it is working for me, and I highly recommend the book. It is a must read for bipolars or unipolars! Keep up the wonderful work! J.M.

5/00
Thank Dr. Hedaya for me for his book. I have been on his program for six weeks or so, stopped the Paxil/Buspar, lost 15 lbs arid feel (and look) better than I have in years. R.S.

5/00
When I read your book, The Anti-Depressant Survival Program, I felt as though I was reading my life story. E.P.

5/00
Sorry I have been late getting this done. I enclose a copy of the review which will appear in the Journal of Ortliornolecular Medicine. I think you have a very good book. Certainly you need no direction from me. I am excited about the recent Harvard study showing that folic acid, up to 50 milligrams daily, maybe as effective as the antidepressants. Can we look forward one day to eliminating the need for these powerful drugs? A.H.

6/00
I am currently reading your "Survival" book, I have also gone through the jumpstart program (I even recruited my husband to the diet!). I just want to thank you for your help, I feel better knowing that I can take action to help myself. Your advice is clear and encouraging. I wish more doctors would take the time to research so thoroughly as you have. If I lived closer to you, I'd want to see you! Thank you. J. V.

7/00
I've just completed reading your book, "The Anti-Depressant Survival Program" and want to thank you for offering me hope.

7/00
I have read your book twice - you wrote it for me! For which I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

When I found Dr. Hedaya, I was deeply depressed, agitated and overmedicated - lifeless. With the help of artfully selected and carefully titrated medications, vitamins and mineral supplements, and exercise, my enthusiasm for life returned. (A very grateful patient)

6/99
Finally a real doctor who knows about nutrition, supplements and all other questions we have as well as being an expert on prescribing drugs . Dr, Hedaya treats the whole person and not only the biochemical imbalance or some psychological fad. I have suffered from depression and serious heart disease and Dr. Hedaya has been more helpful than my cardiologist in dealing with my heart disease let alone dealing with my depression. K.K.

6/99
At first, I thought it would be "mission impossible," Effective anti-depressants without the side effects? After a year with vitamins, supplements and a diet change, I'm a believer. J.D.

6/99
I had lost my confidence in my abilities and my desire to be creative. I felt empty inside and isolated and incapable of most tasks. I continued working and socializing at a minimum which took all my energy to cover up my depression. I was exhausted every day and I didn't sleep well at night. After 15 months of treatment with Dr. Hedaya, I'm feeling more confident and creative than ever before the onset of depression which came on at age 50 with menopause, the sudden death of my father and my son's long term depression, I was sent to Dr. Hedaya by my psychologist whom I had been seeing for two years, weekly and wasn't improving. Dr. Hedaya treated my depression by ordering several blood and saliva analysis tests to determine if I was imbalance in my body chemistry. He prescribed a change in diet as well as an array of vitamin and mineral supplements, antidepressants and thyroid medications. It. was mostly trial and error for 15 months until the right combinations for me was found. It took a lot of patience and money on my part and faith in Dr. Hedaya that there would be a brighter day. He was always encouraging and eager to try something else. Now, I'm feeling terrific at age 54 and I'm looking forward to the present and future each day. It's wonderful to know that life can be good again. Thank you, Dr. Hedaya. J.L.

6/99
Dr. Hedaya saved my marriage. I was extremely depressed and resistant to using medications. He looked at the whole picture (i.e. diet, full lab work, vitamin program). He also met with my husband. Both my husband and I had abnormal thyroid function. My husband also had irritable bowel syndrome which he had had for years and that was also putting a lot of stress on our marriage. Dr. Hedaya treated my husband with Prozac, vitamins and a change in diet. I was not capable of handling things when I was depressed, but now on Prozac, there are still some challenges but I can handle it now. D.A. & P.A.

6/99
My life is much better than a year ago. Dr. Hedaya recognized that stress and trauma cause the body to change its chemistry. He has helped me deal with these changes with medication, diet, exercise and understanding. I am now able to plan parties, go on vacations and think more clearly. I now "want" to live. D.C.