COMFORTABLY NUMB
How Psychiatry is Medicating a Nation
280 Pages
By Charles Barber
Pantheon Books, 2008

The author acknowledges that medication plays an important role in the treatment of severe mental illnesses, but cautions that Big Pharma has seduced Americans into using drugs for lifestyle issues. He states that two-thirds of anti-depressants, world wide, are sold in the U.S. The author presents Cognitive Behavior Therapy as well as the emerging field of social neuroscience - the link between the brain and social behavior, as alternatives to using drugs for lifestyle issues.

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Explain how Americans are using drugs to deal with lifestyle issues
• Identify alternative approaches to treating lifestyle issues
• Explain the difference between depression and Depression

THE EVOLVING BRAIN
The Known and Unknown
By R. Grant Steen, Ph.D.
Prometheus Books, 2007
388 Pages

This is a fascinating study of the human brain. the brain has about 100 billion neurons with the capability of roughly 1000 trillion interconnectors. this is essentially, a crash course on how the brain works.

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to discuss:

• Consciousness. Unconsciousness and Brain Death.
• Learning, Memory, and the Role of Genes.
• Motivation, Aggression, and the Range of Emotions
• Mental Illness and Treatment

HIPAA-The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
A Guide to Subpoenas, Depositions, Testifying
61 Pages
American Schools Association, 2010

This Act was first introduced in 1996, and was designed to improve the portability and continuity of health insurance coverage in the group and individual markets. Recently, additional provisions have been added to the Act. All health care providers are, or should be, familiar with the provisions of this Act.

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Outline the Basics of this Act
• Explain the Safeguards of HIPAA
• Explain the HIPPA "Certification" Process
• Explain Penalties for Privacy Violations

MANAGING PAIN BEFORE IT MANAGES YOU
184 Pages
By Margaret A. Caudill, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H.
The Guilford Press, 3rd Edition, 2009

The author has worked for many years with chronic pain sufferers and has developed a program to help people reduce pain and learn coping skills. She presents step-by-step techniques and helpful activities. Includes many forms and worksheets which can be used with clients and patients.

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Explain the causes of chronic pain
• Discuss what causes increases/decreases in pain symptoms
• Discuss the importance of communication skills and proper nutrition in dealing with pain

NEW
THE MIND'S EYE
263 Pages
By Dr. Oliver Sacks, M.D.
Alfred A. Knopf, 2010

Dr. Sacks presents stories of people who have lost what many consider to be indispensable senses and abilities. he confronts issues regarding how we see and how we think and how people compensate when these senses and abilities are damaged. This book is a testament to the complexities of vision and the brain.

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Discuss How People Adapt When Faced with Loss of Vision and Other traumatic Physical/Mental Deficits.
• Discuss the Power of Creativity and Adaption When These Life Changing Events Occur.
• Discuss the Physical and Mental Conditions Presented in this Book.
  

MUSICOPHILIA
Tales of Music and the Brain
385 Pages
By Dr. Oliver Sacks
First Vintage Books, 2008

Dr. Sacks explores the place music occupies in t he brain and how it affects the human condition. He explores the powers of music through individual experiences by patients, musicians, and everyday people. "Tales" of the positive effects of music on people with Parkinson's Disease, stroke patients, and those with Alzheimer's and schizophrenia are presented.

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Explain how the auditory and nervous systems are "tuned" for music
• Discuss brain disorders and music's effect on them
• Discuss how Music Therapy can be used for those with severe brain disorders

NOLO'S GUIDE TO SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY
Getting & Keeping Your Benefits
400 Pages with CD-ROM
David A. Morton, III, M.D.
Nolo Press - 5th Edition 2010

This book is essential for anyone dealing with a long-term or permanent disability.  It is especially useful for professionals who deal with clients/patients who may be seeking SSI or SSDI benefits.  While it deals with the technicalities of a bureaucratic system, the materials are presented in an easily understandable, and non-technical format.  Samples of all the major forms used by the system are presented with guidance on how to complete them.  Excellent glossaries are placed throughout the book.  There is an explanation of what Social Security Disability is, proving a disability, appealing a denial of benefits, as well as a complete listing and descriptions of illnesses covered by Social Security.

Upon completion of the course you will be able to identify:

• What benefits are available to disabled children
• How age, education and work experience affect benefits
• How to prepare a Continuing Disability Review
• SSI Benefits and SSDI Benefits
• And More...

PASSAGES IN CAREGIVING
Turning Chaos into Confidence
396 Pages
By Gail Sheehy
Harper Collins Publishers, 2010

The author identifies eight critical stages of caregiving with advice navigating each one. She discusses her caregiving experiences win addition to those of others. Included are many resources and names of advocacy groups.

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

• DDiscuss Eight Critical Stages of Caregiving
• Identify Caregiving Resources and Advocacy Groups
• Discuss the First Trouble Signs in the Caregiving Process

REAL LIFE
Preparing for the 7 Most Challenging Days of Your Life
319 Pages
Dr. Phillip C. McGraw, Ph.D.
Free Press, 2008

The book has identified 7 life challenging issues in peoples' lives. The purpose of the book is to assist in preparing for these crises. The book includes audits, or self-appraisal questionnaires regarding these challenging issues.

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Name the 7 most challenging days in a person's life
• Explain how to change one's life before there are crises
• Explain how fear dictates one's choices - and what to do about it.

SOCIAL SECURITY, MEDICARE & GOVERNMENT PENSIONS
460 Pages
By Attorney Joseph Matthews with Dorothy Berman
Nolo, 16th Edition, 2011

This is a concise guide which explains these programs in plain English. Several Social Security programs, Veterans Benefits, Medigap Insurance and Medicaid programs are covered. Provides valuable information for clients/patientse seeking these types of benefits.

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Explain a variety of government benefits programs
• Explain work credits
• Explain Medicare, Parts A, B & D

WOMEN UNDER THE INFLUENCE
The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University
The Johns Hopkins University Press, 2006
194 Pages

A variety of substance abuses and their effect on women are presented in this far-reaching study. Many facets of the effects of substance abuse are presented from the teen-age years to the mature, adult female. Topics include smoking, alcohol, prescription and illicit drugs, pregnancy and substance abuse, and mental health/illness. It concludes with information on getting over the influence, and treatment for the abuses.

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Explain the unique reasons that girls and women smoke and abuse alcohol and drugs
• Discuss the key warning signs of addiction
• Explain options for prevention/treatment