It seems readers want to be slim, sane, and financially successful. I suppose there's no point to being fit and rich if you lack the mental facilities to enjoy it all.

At times, I wonder if the self-help therapy books in a library are of use to the readers. Is the advice dangerous, puerile, or just commonsense dressed up in academic trappings?

Once, most problems could be discussed with family or friends and resolutions found. Now we don't seem to trust ourselves as much. If it is in a book, on TV, the wireless, the Internet, or in a magazine, we credit the advice as being valid.

Previous studies of self-help books have concluded that there is no proof that the advice works. In a US study, however, psychologists revealed that they were not terribly concerned about the books causing harm. The important result was that patients had very positive attitudes and were inclined to take a more active role in their treatment.

The survey of 121 psychologists in Boston and San Diego found that 65% considered self-help books useful and 60% encouraged patients to read them. Those who did not endorse the books tended to take a benign view. While 4% regarded them as unhelpful and 30% considered they rarely help, none viewed the books as harmful.

A follow-up survey of 400 psychologists randomly chosen from across the US showed similar support for the self-help books. Of the 123 who responded, only 5% said they never prescribed them; 35% said they prescribed them often or regularly; and 60% occasionally suggested them to patients.

The books prescribed most frequently are on parenting, followed by books on personal growth and relationships. The other often suggested reading areas include assertiveness, sexuality and stress (not necessarily related).

The therapists all agreed on one very important aspect; people with serious problems should not regard self-help books as an alternative to professional help. The conclusion is that, approached sensibly, self-help books can be useful guides to cope with everyday problems.

However, the people who appear to be helping themselves the most, are the authors who often gain substantial financial benefit from their works.

There is a lesson here for us all.