Product Description

Several years ago, Lewis Wolpert had a severe depressive episode. Despite a happy marriage and successful scientific career, he could think only of suicide. When eventually he did recover, he became aware of the stigma attached to depression - and just how difficult it was to get reliable information. With characteristic candour and determination he set about writing this book, an acclaimed investigation into the causes and treatments of this devastating disease, which formed the basis for a BBC TV series. This paperback edition features a new introduction, in which Lewis Wolpert discusses the reaction to his book and television series, and recounts his own recurring struggle with depression.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #146496 in Books
• Published on: 2006-04-06
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 224 pages

Amazon.co.uk Review
Lewis Wolpert is Professor of Biology as Applied to Medicine at University College, London. Several years ago he had a severe depressive episode and could think only of suicide. His erudite and informative Malignant Sadness: The Anatomy of Depression is therefore written with the empathy of someone with real knowledge of the mood disorder, but also with scientific cynicism. A recent report published by the World Health Organisation states that depression was the fourth most important health problem in the developing world in 1990 (accounting for about three percent of the total burden of illness) and predicts it will be the number one health problem in the developing world in 2020 (accounting for about six percent of the total burden). This astounding statistic reflects how widespread this little-understood, stigmatised illness is. It also points to the enormous financial burden and suffering it causes and will cause in the future.

In Malignant Sadness, Wolpert, who is also the author of The Unnatural Nature of Science, looks at psychological explanations--which focus on the importance of loss and early experience--and biological research which looks at brain functioning and chemistry. He discusses various treatments for depression, such as medication and psychotherapy, with an analysis of what works and for whom. A report on experiences in the treatment of depression in China, Japan, and India is also included. Wolpert hopes that genetic, neuroscience and pharmacy will one day provide a cure. But his advice for immediate treatment would be to combine drug and cognitive therapy. Malignant Sadness doesn't offer quick-fix answers which are characteristic of many pop-psychology manuals on the subject. It's strength is in offering a sober overview of the illness and a thorough look at treatment alternatives.--Christine Buttery

Amazon.co.uk Review
A recent report published by the World Health Organisation states that depression was the fourth most important health problem in the developing world in 1990 (accounting for about three percent of the total burden of illness) and predicts it will be the number one health problem in the developing world in 2020 (accounting for about six percent of the total burden). This astounding statistic reflects how widespread this little-understood, stigmatised illness is. It also points to the enormous financial burden and suffering it causes and will cause in the future.

Lewis Wolpert is Professior of Biology as Applied to Medicine at University College, London, and the author The Unnatural Nature of Science. Several years ago he had a severe depressive episode and could think only of suicide. His erudite and informative Malignant Sadness: The Anatomy of Depression is therefore written with the empathy of someone with real knowledge of the mood disorder, but also with scientific cynicism. Wolpert looks at psychological explanations--which focus on the importance of loss and early experience--and biological research which looks at brain functioning and chemistry. He discusses various treatments for depression, such as medication and psychotherapy, with an analysis of what works and for whom. A report on experiences in the treatment of depression in China, Japan, and India is also included. Wolpert hopes that genetic, neuroscience and pharmacy will one day provide a cure. But his advice for immediate treatment would be to combine drug and cognitive therapy. Malignant Sadness doesn't offer quick-fix answers which are characteristic of many pop-psychology manuals on the subject. It's strength is in offering a sober overview of the illness and a thorough look at treatment alternatives.

Review
"'An excellent book, the most objective short account I know of all the various approaches to depression.' Anthony Storr 'Erudite, scholarly, sober and stylish.' Anthony Clare, Sunday Times"

Customer Reviews

Required reading ...
As a sufferer with an interest in and insight into my condition I have read many books on depression. This is the best that I have read. Wolpert presents an intelligent and lucid view of all aspects of this illness from his unique point of view as a sufferer, a scientist and a master communicator. This book should be required reading for all mental health professionals, GPs and anyone who has contact with a depressed person. In fact, everybody should read this.

A sympathic view of what is known about depression.
As a fellow sufferer from clinical depression I can honestly state that this is the best book on the subject I have been able to find. Whether you are a sufferer yourself, know someone who is, or just have an interest in the range of human experience then this book has something for you. Lewis Wolpert approaches the subject from several different directions, allowing the subject to be informed by his own experience not just as a depressive but also as a scientist and a thinker. You won't find any half-arsed psychobabble here - just intelligence, erudition and compassion.

Brilliant! Humane! Can I give it 10 Crowns?
This is one of the best books I have read about depression. Lewis Wolpert wrote this book after suffering a bout of intense depression and losing his wife Jill to cancer. He is unafraid and unashamed to write about how his depression felt; the experience may have been frightening, but it is presented without high drama or sensationalism. Dr Wolpert examines how depression is viewed in cultures outside the Western world, and how it is treated - the Chinese experience is particularly fascinating. There is no political axe-grinding here - Oliver James please note - and no miracle cures. The book ends positively without becoming upbeat; it is not a self-help manual, but some addresses of organisations mentioned, such as the UK-basedDepressive Alliance, might be useful.