Pavlos Sakkas – författare

SECOND EDITION 2023

THIS VOLUME contains the principal elements preoccupying modern Psychiatry. The author introduces the reader into all mental illnesses, on the one hand through real examples deriving from his rich clinical experience and on the other explaining in simple terms the ''fault'' that is the underlying cause. It is in essence an interesting investigation into the magical world of the human brain. Using easily comprehended language, the author provides convincing explanations for the diverse mental functions. The models he expounds on bring mental illness down to earth from the mists of Philosophy to the realities of Medicine. He compares schizophrenia to a minor short-circuit, and Anorexia Nervosa to the activation of a programme in reserve in the brain. He gives reasons for the necessity for sleep and dreams.

Other than a doctor, however, Pavlos Sakkas is a person intensively querying social behaviour. His many years of practice of psychiatry and his experience of human pain give him the potential to be of assistance to those who arrive at crucial crossroads in their life. His charitable attitude and the unconventional viewpoints he develops provide interesting answers to the greatest existentialist questioning of human beings. He speaks of his own questioning and recounts what he answers when his patients ask him about the meaning of life.

In this book the reader will be able to find useful directions to be guided in the great and thrilling journey of life: Guidelines for relations with parents, siblings, companions and one''s children.

The author has a way of transmitting such knowledge to his layman reader as would be envied by an experienced psychiatrist. But the book''s best achievement is to bring the reader into the head and the thoughts of a psychiatrist. His way also at the same time gives advice in the correct practice of clinical Psychiatry as well as of Medicine in general.

It is a book addressing every challenged and questioning person who cogitates a problem, including professionals of mental health, who will find in it new methods of approach along the hazardous paths of the human soul.

How can I make sure that my child is well nourished? How can I restore good relations between parents and children in our family?”

Only people with a first-hand experience with fussy and picky children can fully grasp the challenge for the family. In this guide, three renowned professionals join forces to help families deal effectively with the issue:

Pavlos Sakkas, a professor of psychiatry, analyses step by step how the family meal may well turn into a conflict between child and parents, emphasises the danger of the ever-lurking anorexia nervosa and shows how to eliminate these issues.

George Moustakas, a paediatrician, offers helpful information and tips for children's nourishment and redeems the reputation of tasty foods such as butter, chocolate, salt, etc.

Eirini Togia, the internationally famous and global award-winning chef better known as "Rena tis Ftelias", shares Mediterranean-style recipes that appeal even to the fussiest children.

The guide is also a source of practical, hands-on tips and insights described through real-life personal stories of adults who had been fussy themselves or who had picky children. The experts’ comments on the stories shed more light and reveal hidden aspects.

Finally, the book provides useful advice gleaned from recent academic studies, surveys, and researches, a world bibliography, and guidelines from the National Health System in the UK (NHS Choices).

Editor's preface

It is not by coincidence that the authors and the editor of this book are all of the Mediterranean origins. In this part of the world, food is a severe issue! The same applies to the family. And they are best expressed together on the occasion of a joyful family feast.

So, in the Mediterranean culture, a picky or fuzzy eater is a matter of concern that is worthy of attention.  A holistic approach was the concept of the first edition, published earlier this year in Greece. It aimed to help expand a child’s appetite as well as to highlight the family dynamics that may trigger this kind of behaviour.

The success of the first Greek edition as well as substantial research evidence suggesting that these issues are, after all, common around the world, led us to this enhanced international publication in the English language.

Introduction

If you are reading this book, there is a good chance you may feel challenged by a child’s eating behaviour.

What is a fussy or a picky eater? Is there a difference with neophobia? Yes, there is.

What is the primary root of the problem? Parents' behaviour and their relationship with their children.

Do you know that if you change the colours and taste, with appropriate preparation, of the main foods that are usually rejected by picky children, the same children will eat them up?

These are only some of the topics covered in the following chapters of this guide: Fundamental rules for parents to obtain and increase skills in building consistent and straightforward behaviours in their children with delicacies and children-friendly decorated dishes.

Parents' anxiety control and their knowledge about the phenomenon and its types and what is normal or not remain a key. Because the solution requires knowledge of the problem for the parent to ask for help promptly from a doctor who is the only person and professional that can help solve this issue.

This is the goal of this guide which covers eating difficulties from toddler age through to adolescence in five sections.