Malignant Sadness: The Anatomy of Depression: Amazon.co.uk: Lewis Wolpert: Books

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. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Product Description

46 of 46 people found the following review helpful

Brilliant! Humane! Can I give it 10 Crowns? 8 Oct 1999

By A Customer

Format: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.

Comment |

Was this review helpful to you?

Yes

81 of 82 people found the following review helpful

Required reading ... 5 July 2001

By d.pickard@virgin.net

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

A sympathic view of what is known about depression. 14 Feb 2001

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.

Well written, rational, enlightening insight into depression and...

This is a straightforward, rational and clear exploration of the different causes and treatments of depression. Read more

Published on 8 Jan 2010 by pppme

Wolpert

Beautifully and clearly written. A most helpful book, full of insight as well as knowledge, and helpful for anyone suffering from severe depression, or their friends and relatives

Published on 28 Nov 2009 by Mrs. Vivian Hatfield

Brilliant

The author has produced a wonderfull, intelligent and non-patronising book about depression. I have read all the self-help books on depression and I believe that this is the best... Read more

Published on 17 Oct 2008 by Ms. Caroline R. Whitla

"My purpose is to try and understand this dreadful affliction in...

Hence, as the subtitle of the book, `The Anatomy of Depression', suggests, Wolpert is essentially trying to bring some objective security to the diagnosis of depression, where in... Read more

Published on 20 Aug 2008 by josephllewellyn

Brilliant.

I read this book just after a close friend took an overdose (luckily she survived) and this book really helped me get my head around what was happening to her and allowed me to... Read more

Published on 16 July 2007 by Jenny

Cheering

Lewis Wolpert is a biology professor at UCL, and also suffered a period of major depression, which may make him uniquely qualified to write this book. Read more

Published on 9 Jan 2007 by S. Bailey

A comprehensive introduction

This book is a comprehensive introduction to the topic of depression. It explains the different types, as well as things like genetic links. Read more

Published on 4 Jun 2006 by Spider Monkey

a reading must for all those concerned about depression

I came to read this book following the excellent BBC television series which was re-broadcast on the ABC Australia hosted by Geraldine Doogue of 'Life Matters. Read more

Published on 4 Dec 2000

A cogent discussion of depression.

Lewis Wolpert has written a remarkably clear introduction to depression. Though his reasons for writing this are due to a personal episode of depression, he takes a step back... Read more

Published on 24 July 1999

Malignant Sadness: The Anatomy of Depression [Paperback]

Formats

Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought

Product details

More About the Author

Product Description

Amazon.co.uk Review

Amazon.co.uk Review

Tags Customers Associate with This Product

What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?

Customer Reviews

Customer Discussions

Start a new discussion

Listmania!

Look for similar items by category

Look for similar items by subject

Feedback