From the author of "Women Who Think Too Much," a groundbreaking book uncovers a hidden source of depression in women today. The author's original research shows that the tendency to ruminate on problems--rather than seek solutions--often co-exists with unhealthy eating habits and/or heavy drinking.

Reviews

Women suffer from overthinking, argues this Yale psychology professor, dwelling on the problem instead of the solution and then eating and drinking too much in response. Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

Nolen-Hoeksema (Women Who Think Too Much) presents a theory that women who battle eating disorders, alcohol abuse and depression are really suffering from a single disorder for which she has coined the term "toxic triangle." The author claims to be among the first to recognize this (most experts, she says, choose one as the cause of the other two), but doesn't offer anything beyond her own observations as proof that this is true. The book's main strength is its excellent exploration of the impact of all three problems, individually and collectively, on women's lives. Eating disorders, alcohol abuse and depression affect women's relationships, careers, health and put them at risk for assault. Nolen-Hoeksema helps readers make sense of their past experiences and the genetic influences that can also make a difference, perhaps leading to a better understanding of their behavior. But she flounders between writing a clinical dissertation and penning a self-help book meant to guide readers to a solution. She constantly switches voices, speaking directly to the reader at some points and talking about the reader at others. Nolen-Hoeksema makes a provocative argument, but the book's lack of clinical research and cohesive narrative make it a tough sell. (Jan.) Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.