Customer Reviews

The Pits and the Pendulum: A Life with Bipolar Disorder

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The Pits and the Pendulum is an memoir by Brian Adams. I originally read this for a psychopathology class in college, but in retrospect I can realize it can also be useful to other readers. To those interested in how a severe case of bipolar I disorder can affect one throughout his life, this book provides plenty of insight and is an interesting enough read as well (some memoirs in psychopathology can be quite dry sometimes). To those suffering from bipolar disorder (manic depression), you may find Adams' life experiences, troubles, triumphs, and all in between to be familiar.

Adams' recalls building birdhouses during a manic episode--slamming his hand with the hammer accidentally yet continuing to work through day and night, going without sleep or very little sleep for weeks. The effects on his jobs and the risky investments that are not uncommon with bipolar sufferers are both discussed. Struggling with the deepest of depressions, suicidality, and with the ultimate highs of mania provides for an interesting if not provocative read.

This is an example of a book read for class that I decided to keep rather than get rid of or sell used. It proves worthy of additional reads and as an excellent example of a memoir in bipolar disorder to those with any vested interest in the field.

Being bipolar myself,this for me was anaccurate account of the Illness.It is always conforting to know you aren't the only one suffering from this often disabling disorder