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Mood Genes: Hunting for Origins of Mania and Depression (Oxford Paperbacks) [Paperback]

Samuel H. Barondes (Author)

4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)

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Product details

Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc, USA; Reprint edition (31 Oct 1999)
Language English
ISBN-10: 0195131061
ISBN-13: 978-0195131062
Product Dimensions: 21.5 x 14.1 x 1.5 cm

Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)

Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 2,335,731 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Product Description

Amazon.co.uk Review

About one in 100 people suffer from full-blown manic depressive illness. Many more of us experience milder versions of this condition. One of these mild forms, called hypomania, may even confer adaptive advantages on the lucky sufferer, bestowing optimism, charisma and creative thinking, tempered by bouts of mild depression which keep manias in check and serve as signals to others to offer compassion and help.

The search for the genetic basis of mania and depression is at once a major medical priority (one in five people with manic depression commit suicide), and merely the latest step in an age-old quest to understand what purpose emotions serve.

Each major paradigm of mind has its own anatomy of melancholy. Samuel Barondes traces these rival models of despond, from the earliest writings of psychotherapy, through modern psychiatry's progressive integration into hospital medicine, to the gathering of evidence to suggest that there is a genetic component to the disease. This possibility in particular is complicating--if not revolutionising--our ideas of human nature, nurture and identity.

Barondes' own story of how he came to be involved in the hunt for "mood genes" is a pacy, no-punches-pulled memoir offering insights into genetics both as an exercise in pure science and as a job of work with all its attendant political, professional and ethical dilemmas. Long after the findings discussed here have been superseded, Mood Genes deserves to be treasured as a fascinating account of a life in science. --Simon Ings --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Synopsis

In this text, Samuel Barondes explores the relationship between genes and mental disorders. Focusing on manic-depressive disorder, Barondes discusses whether abnormalities in specific genes can lead to mental dysfunction. Barondes then argues that identification of these genes may allow us to prevent manic depression and develop new treatments.

Inside This Book (Learn More)

First Sentence
When Michael was in kindergarten his mother, Flora, was overwhelmed by her first attack of mania. Read the first page

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

Thanksgiving day- cover to cover. Outstanding 27 Nov 1998

By A Customer

Format:Hardcover

Absolutely one of the most fascinating books I've ever read. Entirely honest. Very even-handed about the history and current state of affairs in this field. I come from a family riddled with some sort of mental dilemma(probably manic-depressive) including most recently two adolescent sons. All have been remarkably successful, but devilish all the way. I hold out hope for my sons, but see little progress while they wear myself and ex-wife to a frazzle. What a vast wealth of knowledge Dr. Barondes shares with us. I read this book cover to cover on Thanksgiving Day. I recommend it to anyone, whether your family has mental illness or not.

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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

Fun and engrossing to read! Terrific book. 20 Sep 1998

By A Customer

Format:Hardcover

Best and most delightfully clear presentation of genetics and the potential for understanding our moods that I've ever read. If I taught a college course in Psychology, I would start by having my students read this engaging book!

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In one word: Brilliant 2 Oct 1998

By A Customer

Format:Hardcover

Although many science books are well readable, there are few that you cannot put down; this however is one of them. In very clear language it is explained what it means when mania or depression runs in your family. Besides that it is exciting to read about scientists that are searching for the origins of these diseases. This is a must read!

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Most Recent Customer Reviews

Fun and engrossing to read! Terrific book.

Best and most delightfully clear presentation of genetics and the potential for understanding our moods that I've ever read. Read more

Published on 20 Sep 1998

Well written book on current research on manic depression.

A well written, easy to read examination of the research being undertaken to discover the biological underpinnings of bipolar disorder (manic depression). Read more

Published on 23 Aug 1998

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