David S. Goldbloom

Doctors Goldbloom and Bryden set out to demystify mental illness and psychiatry, and to encourage people with psychiatric disorders to look for help. The narrative is written from Dr. Goldbloom's perspective, laid out as a week in his practice bracketed by a medical crisis in his own family. The "week" is really a composite week, rather than a literal one. Each half day looks at a different area of psychiatric practice, and different illnesses and treatments are described. It is not just a recital of everything he does in a day, but a framework for public education, science, history, ethics, case studies, social commentary, advocacy, and personal thoughts and emotions. They look at the history of how mental illnesses have been recognized and treated, and the current state of research and treatment; what is known and what is unknown. We learn about the evolution of psychiatry, and the areas and issues that still need to be addressed.

The focus of the narrative is well balanced between the patients, education about mental illness, history and current issues in psychiatry, and the doctor's own life, opinions and emotion. Some of the patients are real people who have agreed to their inclusion, and others are fictionalized or composites. All are described with compassion and respect. Goldbloom admits to his own limitations and biases. He talks about patients who he feels he has helped, and also those times that he wishes he had done more. The tone is personal, concerned, and sincere. Ethical issues are raised, and the ramifications are seriously considered. The conflict between individual liberties and personal and public safety is considered in different contexts. The importance of public education and the need for supportive social policies are recurring themes, as is the role of family in supporting people who are coping with mental illness.

The authors' goal in writing the book is ambitious, and they do an impressive job of executing it. There are no wasted words, with every incident in the book contributing to increasing the reader's understanding of issues relating to mental illness and psychiatry, and trying to lower the stigma attached to them. They have brought issues to my attention that I had never given much thought to before. I highly recommend this book, and hope that other readers will find it equally enlightening.… (meer)