In A Mood Apart, one of the country's most distinguished psychiatrists--an internationally renowned authority in the field--examines mood disorder as "an affliction of the self", exploring the human experience of manic depressive illness, rediscovering the human being within the diagnosis.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From Booklist
Psychiatrist Whybrow examines mania and depression generally but thoroughly, describing several individual cases to bring the generalities to life. Although many patients can have a specific disease, each individual's symptoms, developments, and responses are unique; that, it becomes obvious, is one reason why psychiatry appeals to Whybrow. Drawing on both the medical literature and works of fine literature, the author guides us through the evolutionary growth of both the so-called lizard, ancient mammal and the new mammal brains within the human brain, then examines areas of behavior, types of diseases, precipitating causes of disease, and treatments. Most mental diseases require both psychotherapy and drugs, he says. Probably several genetic variations, rather than just one, will be found to be the physiological causes that, together with experiential difficulties, produce these diseases. William Beatty
From Kirkus Reviews
The most thorough and wide-ranging discussion for lay readers about the interplay of the physical and emotional elements of depression and manic-depression. The popular and controversial antidepressant Prozac has made serotonin and other mood-related neurotransmitters in the brain familiar to many. But Whybrow (coauthor, The Hibernation Response, 1988), chairman of psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania, shows how these messenger chemicals fit into the larger structure of the brain, and in particular of the limbic alliance, which includes the amygdala and the thalamus, and which governs our emotions. Whybrow defines mood disorders as a disruption of the limbic alliance's homeostasis--its self-regulating power--which in turn disrupts three areas of activity: thinking (such as memory), feeling (which becomes dominated by negativity), and ``housekeeping'' (such as sleeping and eating patterns). Sometimes the highly detailed scientific discussion becomes a little convoluted, a little redundant, and a little too full of gee-whizzing about the wonders of the human brain. But overall his presentation is illuminating, and the case histories demonstrate his sensitivity and skill as a clinician. In particular, the story of John Moorehead, a Jesuit academic with a generally optimistic and intellectually curious nature who suddenly plunged into a profound depression, illustrates the tortured and complex nature of manic-depression. His case also demonstrates one of Whybrow's most emphatic points: that experence, especially human attachment, is as important as biology in causing mood disorders. Thus, while Moorehead had a genetic predisposition to his illness, it flared up only after the breakup of a profound friendship. Whybrow therefore stresses that however effective drugs such as Prozac may be, they must be combined with psychotherapy. Because of its emphasis on complicated neurobiology, this is not the place to begin learning about mood disorders. But for those already familiar with the subject, Whybrow's presentation offers a deeper understanding of, along with a humane and wise approach to, these very troubling illnesses. -- Copyright ©1997, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Afflictions,
By A Customer
This review is from: A Mood Apart: Depression, Mania, and Other Afflictions of the Self (Hardcover)
A Mood Apart: Depression, Mania, & Other Afflictions of the Self is a terrific book for those of us like myself who have suffered with Bipolar Disorder(Manic Depression) for 35 years. The book covers a wide range of topics including meds. Dr. Whybrow & his group at the Univ of Penn. are one of the leading research groups in this field. If it were not for people of the caliber of Dr. Whybrow and Dr. Kay Jamison of Johns Hopkins, I would not be in remission or medication stabile today. Dr. Whybrow's book "A Mood Apart: The Thinker's Guide to Emotion & Its Disorders" is the paperback version of the above book and not a new title. Maury Schiowitz
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A must-read for the layperson and professional alike,
By A Customer
This review is from: A Mood Apart: Depression, Mania, and Other Afflictions of the Self (Hardcover)
"A Mood Apart" is aptly subtitled " Depression, Mania and Other Affliction of the Self". It is a must-read by anyone touched with unipolar depression or Bipolar Disorder, whether sufferer, family member, physician, or researcher. It is an excellent volume for layperson and professional alike. Dr. Whybrow recognizes that other parts of the person, the soul are deeply affected by this illness. It's not just a chemical problem.
Dr. Whybrow's writing style is clear, concise, descriptive and charming. Using several case histories through the book, Whybrow examines what we have learned against the light of real people and thus, brings the reader forward in understanding, one step at a time. He presented information that I have not found elsewhere about the limbic system and emotion and ties it all into the person, the patient that has to live with it.
Singular views of the use of pills or therapy alone have finally been put to rest with his careful reasoning. He brings them together into a cohesive
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
If you have depression read this book,
This review is from: A Mood Apart: Depression, Mania, and Other Afflictions of the Self (Hardcover)
I bought this book soley based on the few glowing reviews listed here. While I was a bit skeptical given how great people said this book is, I have to concur. I think this is one of the best books on depression and I've read quite a few. The case studies he presents are so well written it's like reading a novel. But he balances that with good technical insights.
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