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Suspicious Minds: How Culture Shapes Madness Paperback – July 21, 2015

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Joel Gold (Author)
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Ian Gold (Author)
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4.8 out of 5 stars 20 customer reviews
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Product Details

  • Paperback: 352 pages
  • Publisher: Free Press; Reprint edition (July 21, 2015)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 143918156X
  • ISBN-13: 978-1439181560
  • Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 1.1 x 8.4 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #302,176 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Top Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 starsA Succinct Study of the Delusional Mind
By E. White on July 24, 2014
Format: Hardcover
Joel and Ian Gold worked painstakingly to deliver Suspicious Minds. I was happy to find that they reference the work of Sander Gilman, who until now, thought to be the only person to offer a comprehensive look at how culture shapes madness, in Seeing the Insane. In this book, readers will find true stories and tales of research of the human mind. Most importantly, the Golds explore the way neuroscience, society and biology intersect as they explore the concept of the "Truman Show Delusion."

This book paints an accurate picture of the so-called delusional brain. It is almost like taking a crash course into psychiatry, but it also delves into history in a more thrilling tone than other non-fiction books. This makes sense, considering that the two authors are an attending psychiatrist and a psychiatric researcher.

According to Joel and Ian Gold, delusions go back "nearly as far as the written records of human civilization," and yet we still know so little about them. In fact, Mesopotamians and Babylonians viewed madness as a punishment for something done wrong; they harbored little sympathy for those ailing.

If you enjoy Suspicious Minds, you might also enjoy reading about the psychology behind animal minds. Many psychology fans recommend Laurel Braitman's Animal Madness, a study into the lives of anxious and compulsive animals throughout history. Both books paint accurate pictures of the world of psychology.

Finally, this book is succinct and easy to read as it offers such refreshing insight into the world of early psychiatry. It is easily accessible and entertaining enough to include on any psych bookshelf.
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5.0 out of 5 starsA Magisterial Work
By Marv Jaye on July 21, 2014
Format: Hardcover
Surprising for a non-fiction book dealing with medical/psychological matters, you might find Suspicious Minds difficult to put down once you begin reading. It’s a truly masterful accomplishment -- of depth, substance, and courageously proferred (yes, the naysayers are out there waiting to pounce) opinions, all backed by vast erudition, clinical experience, and sound judgment. A historical overview of madness and psychosis, together with theories and treatments thereof, precedes the presentation of an original theory of mind the authors call the Suspicion System. The theory goes a long way toward explaining the fact that though delusions are a not an uncommon psychological experience, only a select few types of delusion are seen. The “Truman delusion,” named after the film with a similar theme, in which you’re unknowingly being televised for a reality show, is an example. The book is beautifully written -- informal and sparkling when it wants to be, scholarly and solemn when it needs to be. The case histories are superb narratives, each a self-contained, wickedly interesting short story; the theoretical accounts are models of expository prose. Suspicious Minds is a magisterial work, sure to be consulted long after an initial run through.
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5.0 out of 5 starsFascinating
By Jeffrey Baikowitz on July 19, 2014
Format: Hardcover
Incredible insight into how modern culture influences mental health and paranoid delusions. Must read for amateurs and academics alike. The writing style is very accessible and the case histories are fascinating. It also doesn't take itself too seriously. If you're a fan of Oliver Sacks you'll definitely find this book interesting as well, and in many ways more satisfying as it digs deeper and reveals brand new insights into how the outer world can influence psychosis.
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4.0 out of 5 starsThis book is a gem!
By Palo Alto, CA on July 24, 2014
Format: Hardcover
I have been trying to find information about historical attitudes towards and treatments of schizophrenia, and this book is by far the best resource I have found. While some have claimed that schizophrenia did not exist prior to the Industrial Age, these authors do a great job of cataloging the manifestations of delusions throughout the ages and across cultures. The book manages to be informative and entertaining at the same time. I highly recommend this read!
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5.0 out of 5 starsEnlightening, Educational and Humane Book!
By PaulaD on August 5, 2014
Format: Kindle Edition
This is a wonderful book. I am impressed with the good Doctors' knowledge, experience and humanity in discussing and explaining delusions and schizophrenia, a very difficult mental disorder to treat. I'm getting the book to read in print because it's worth reading again, in print, because it is so good.

The book also does a great service in enlightening ordinary, everyday people about the tragedy of mental illness and how pervasive it can be. Mental illness affects many, whether the patient is a co-worker, relative or close friend. This is demonstrated in the book by the numerous case studies found throughout the book. They are enlightening and really show the human, caring side of the doctors. This is a very kind and educational book.

I would recommend it to anyone wanting to know more about delusions and schizophrenia, since it is very approachable and easy to read.
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5.0 out of 5 starsBrilliant and timely
By Karen Franklin on January 3, 2016
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
The environment is front and center in this brilliant new theory of delusions as the product of a “Suspicion System” gone amok. Extant research supports the role of environmental factors such as economic inequality and immigration as playing a role in psychosis. But why? The Golds posit “social defeat” -- which occurs when someone is persistently demeaned, humiliated, or subordinated -- as a potent factor in breaking down the vulnerable psyche, The brothers (Joel is a psychiatrist in New York City; Ian is a philosophy professor in Canada) pull together research in neuroscience and evolutionary psychiatry to locate the Suspicion System in the amygdala (evolved to anticipate threat) and connected brain regions. Delusions take hold, they posit, with a breakdown in communication between this early-warning Suspicion System and the more rational, slower-thinking cognitive network that should be dampening the amygdala’s over-enthusiasm. Thorough and well-written, this book is highly recommended to anyone with an interest in understanding psychosis and the thin line separating the "normal" from the "abnormal." (Interested readers can find my in-depth review at my forensic psychology blog, located at forensicpsychologist.blogspot (period) com.)
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 starsFive Stars

Quite the read for those interested in those struggling with hallucinations and delusions.

Published 1 month ago by penb
5.0 out of 5 starsFive Stars

Very enlightening book!

Published 1 month ago by Jill A. Kroesen
5.0 out of 5 starsFive Stars

Great book. Thanks.

Published 2 months ago by M.A.
5.0 out of 5 stars... say other than the information in it was very good. The authors...

I haven't got much to say other than the information in it was very good. The authors had an understanding of the negative effects of bullying too.

Published 6 months ago by G Anon.
5.0 out of 5 starslike me, need to understand for one reason or ...

Cross cultural philosophies about mental illness. I needed some grounding for a witness who was delusional. (I am a trial lawyer. Read more

Published 12 months ago by Michael Louis Minns
5.0 out of 5 starsWorth Reading for Sure.

This is a great book. For too long, the cultural nature of delusions has been ignored. This book delves into the cultural underpinnings of delusions in a fascinating way. Read more

Published 12 months ago by Juniper Breeze
5.0 out of 5 starsFive Stars

Great book, great condition, speedy delivery. Thank you.

Published 13 months ago by Treuhaft Library
5.0 out of 5 starsGood for the professional as well as the guy on the street.

A good insight into the paranoid minds. Those of us with delusions will see we are normal? We all have delusions of some kind. Read more

Published 15 months ago by Back in Yankeedom
5.0 out of 5 starsFive Stars

Top notch!!! Fast service, book is sparkling new. Thanks so much!

Published 16 months ago by Red Rover
5.0 out of 5 starsThis book was fantastic! I would recommend this book to anyone...

This book was fantastic! I would recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about mental health and about schizophrenia or delusions in particular. Read more

Published 17 months ago by Heather

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