- Paperback: 224 pages
- Publisher: Faber and Faber (6 Feb 1999)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 057119172X
- ISBN-13: 978-0571191727
- Product Dimensions: 21.3 x 13.5 x 1.8 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 628,448 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
Malignant Sadness
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Product Description
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 --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.
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.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
45 of 45 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant! Humane! Can I give it 10 Crowns?,
By A Customer
This review is from: Malignant Sadness: The Anatomy of Depression (Paperback)
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.
81 of 82 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Required reading ...,
By d.pickard@virgin.net (Northallerton, North Yorkshire UK) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Malignant Sadness: The Anatomy of Depression (Paperback)
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.
53 of 54 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A sympathic view of what is known about depression.,
By A Customer
This review is from: Malignant Sadness: The Anatomy of Depression (Paperback)
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.
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