This book is an interesting change from others on the topic of depression. Its focus on the biology of the brain and its complexities provides a different kind of insight into this condition. If you’ve ever wondered if what you eat really affects the way you feel and act, this book will convince you. The images of the brains showing different imbalances are convincing and Amen’s very scientific discussions of using herbal, dietary, or medicinal means to actually change your brain are fascinating.

Unfortunately, the book is so scientific that it may not be right for the average reader. Some of Amen’s theories and techniques are WAY outside the realm of commonly-accepted practice and if you do not have enough information to critically evaluate his ideas, you really shouldn’t be reading the book. For the majority of people, it just presents some pictures of the brain and some interesting theories that they won’t understand.

About halfway through the book I got the feeling that Amen was just trying to convince people to buy his theories, the SPECT in particular. Unless you have severe brain issues and a solid understanding of biology, this book is not for you.