From Publishers Weekly
Psychotherapist Diamond (Male Menopause) focuses on how hormonal changes and chronic stress can trigger "irritable male syndrome: a state of hypersensitivity, anxiety, frustration, and anger." Drawing a parallel to premenstrual syndrome, he explains how IMS can result at any time of life, but primarily in puberty and midlife, from shifting testosterone levels; he also shows how it has roots in the changing role of women, workplace situations, increased stress and interpersonal relationships, which threaten male self-esteem. The disorder's earliest symptom is irritability, which untreated can spiral into anger, violence or depression. Diamond focuses on the syndrome's blaming behavior, often directed toward women. "We can have an almost irrational need to break away and be free.... We often see our partners as the ones who are holding us back," he writes. So Diamond includes diagnostic questionnaires and counsels men on how to recognize and handle these difficult feelings. He also offers specific steps for others to help an IMS man in denial, plus what to do if either partner wants to leave the relationship. While some advice is familiar—eat right, exercise, consider taking medications, nurture your spiritual side—Diamond's insights may help men most by giving them context and explanation for what they're feeling physically and emotionally, thus helping IMS men to take steps to feel better about themselves. Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Book Description
From the best-selling author of Male Menopause comes another life-transforming book for men-and the women who love them-on overcoming the mood and behavior changes caused by fluctuating male hormones
It turns out that it's not only women who suffer from hormone related irritability. Depression, anger, fatigue, moodiness, anxiety, lethargy, low libido, and confusion are just some of the symptoms of a recently identified condition that affects men.
IMS (Irritable Male Syndrome) is in some ways similar to male menopause, but it can affect men of all ages. What often triggers IMS is acute or chronic stress. Focusing on two crucial times of life when male hormones are shifting rapidly-adolescence/young adulthood and midlife-Jed Diamond reports on the latest research from international experts on men's health and hormones; describes in detail the symptoms of IMS; explains how the volatile mood swings of the syndrome can wreak havoc with a man's closest relationships and provides advice on preventing, diagnosing, and treating IMS.
Just as when he began researching his landmark book on male menopause, Jed Diamond is at the forefront of this controversial subject. He offers readers the most comprehensive, insightful coverage of IMS-and the practical wisdom he imparts will help millions.
About the Author
Jed Diamond, a licensed psychotherapist for 38 years and director of the health program MenAlive, is the author of seven books, including the international bestseller Male Menopause. He is on the board of advisors of the Men's Health Network and also serves on the international scientific board of the World Congress on Men's Health. He lives in Willits, California.
Irritable Male Syndrome: Managing the Four Key Causes of Depression and Aggression FROM THE PUBLISHER
In his latest breakthrough book on male health and well-being, best-selling author Jed Diamond presents the most up-to-date research from around the globe to reveal why so many normally loving husbands, fathers, and sons suddenly become irritable, angry, and withdrawn. The Irritable Male Syndrome is the first book to describe the phenomenon of the same name and offer a program for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. It identifies the four common triggers of IMS-fluctuating testosterone levels, biochemical imbalances, loss of masculine identity, and stress-and then shows men and their partners how best to treat this emerging problem. Research shows that up to 30 percent of men, especially those in adolescence and midlife, exhibit symptoms of IMS. In its mildest forms, IMS can cause men to be moody and irritable. At its worst, it can lead to violence and even suicide. The pain and destruction affect not only the men themselves but also their families, their communities, and the world at large. Just as PMS has become a recognized problem in women, IMS-thanks to this book-will soon be acknowledged as a genuine affliction among men. The Irritable Male Syndrome will revolutionize the detection, understanding, and treatment of male depression, bringing relief and happiness back to the lives of millions of men and their loved ones.
FROM THE CRITICS
Publishers Weekly
Psychotherapist Diamond (Male Menopause) focuses on how hormonal changes and chronic stress can trigger "irritable male syndrome: a state of hypersensitivity, anxiety, frustration, and anger." Drawing a parallel to premenstrual syndrome, he explains how IMS can result at any time of life, but primarily in puberty and midlife, from shifting testosterone levels; he also shows how it has roots in the changing role of women, workplace situations, increased stress and interpersonal relationships, which threaten male self-esteem. The disorder's earliest symptom is irritability, which untreated can spiral into anger, violence or depression. Diamond focuses on the syndrome's blaming behavior, often directed toward women. "We can have an almost irrational need to break away and be free.... We often see our partners as the ones who are holding us back," he writes. So Diamond includes diagnostic questionnaires and counsels men on how to recognize and handle these difficult feelings. He also offers specific steps for others to help an IMS man in denial, plus what to do if either partner wants to leave the relationship. While some advice is familiar-eat right, exercise, consider taking medications, nurture your spiritual side-Diamond's insights may help men most by giving them context and explanation for what they're feeling physically and emotionally, thus helping IMS men to take steps to feel better about themselves. Agent, Nancy Ellis-Bell. (Oct.) Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.
Library Journal
Is the man in your life hypersensitive and anxious? Is he frustrated, angry, and uninterested in sex? This may result from biochemical changes and stress-related issues, according to psychotherapist Diamond (Male Menopause), adviser to the Men's Health Network. Similar to PMS in women, Irritable Male Syndrome (IMS) is related to the concurrence of stress, decrease in self-esteem, and biochemical changes that can affect a man in adolescence or middle age. Diamond does a thorough job of explaining the male psyche and chemistry, citing an abundance of research and case studies. He spends several chapters detailing realistic and practical steps to deal with the problem. Although the title may make one want to dismiss this as another syndrome du jour publication, it actually contains some informative and helpful research on male development. It will most likely be read by women in a relationship with men experiencing the stress and anger symptoms detailed here. For public libraries. Deborah Bigelow, Leonia P.L., NJ Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.
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