Product Description

"A compassionate exploration of depression and manic-depression."
-- Forecast

"The most thorough and wide-ranging discussion for lay readers about the interplay of the physical and emotional elements of depression and manic-depression... His presentation is illuminating, and the case histories demonstrate his sensitivity and skill as a clinician.... Whybrow's presentation offers a deeper understanding of, along with a humane and wise approach to these very troubling illnesses."
-- Kirkus Reviews

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #116288 in Books
• Published on: 1998-03-01
• Released on: 1998-02-17
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 384 pages

Kay Redfield Jamison, author of An Unquiet Mind
"An excellent book. It reflects not only the depth and breadth of the author's scientific and clinical contributions to the study of moods, but captures, in a wonderful way, the crucial role of moods in human nature and society....Anyone interested in moods, or disorders of moods will find this an informative, important and engrossing book."

About the Author
Peter Whybrow, M.D., is chairman of psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania. He is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and Vice Chair of the Scientific Advisory Board of the National Depressive and Manic Depressive Association. In 1996, he was awarded the Gerald L. Klerman Lifetime Research Award by the NDMDA. Dr. Whybrow has lectured extensively throughout Europe and the United States. He lives in Philadelphia, PA.

Customer Reviews

candy for the psychopharmacological sweet tooth
Very well written and well researched, this book is cotton candy for anyone with a psychopharmacological sweet tooth. It contains a good deal of information about neuroscience and psychiatry, including some of the historical underpinnings of these fields. I'm guessing that others have compared this with Peter Kramer's Listening to Prozac, and there are some superficial similarities, such as a somewhat philosophical bent. Like Kramer's book, this one also has detailed, very interesting case studies, where the ones in A Mood Apart are probably a bit longer and more detailed. Two case studies that I remember well are those of Claire Dubois and John Moorehead, where both persons are afflicted with significant depression. A major distinction between this book and Listening to Prozac is that the latter was much more explicitly about antidepressants and their philosophical implications. One very mild criticism of A Mood Apart is that I wonder if the author thinks that depression is simply a more extreme variant of ordinary sadness, when I don't think this is the case. Overall, a captivating read that anyone interested in mental health, and mood disorders in particular, will find fascinating and informative. Author of Adjust Your Brain: A Practical Theory for Maximizing Mental Health.

Depression or Doldrums...
There is a vast difference from being down in the dumps, having a bad day, being moody and a mental illness. Acting as if all is well when clearly there is a problem does not raise self-esteem or one's self-competency. Today, if a woman is moody, she's bi-polar. In the old days, it was simply hormones, her time of the month, which was degrading and so she succumbed to migraines (a real illness) to compensate. Men go through the change of life with all of the moods, drastic changes, loff of self-control and search for importance.

Women aare not the only humans who have sttitude regardless of educational training. The Bible advocates that we should treat others as we want to be treated, but it doesn't always work that way. Never has. You may be able to forgive ill-mannered and derogatory treatment once, but not a second time.

It's never good to measure your behavior by how another person responds. Each of us has dreams, goals, and aspirations. As the song goes, "wish on a star." The greatest treasure above all abilities is having a good friend who likes you just the way you are. A friend listens when you're hurting and doesn't criticize. An importand thing I learned in water therapy is to stand tall (or erect, good posture) and not to give in to moods. Take a walk in the fresh air to sweep the cobwebs away from your negative feelings of how bad you may feel. If you look good, you'll feel good, or better. When I first came home to Knoxville, I soon learned that people don't speak or smile at those they don't know. And so I changed things a bit, acted like I was still in the smalltown where there are no strangers. Is it better to be ignored or gossiped about? It's hard not to be sensitive to what other people say about you, but stay on an even keel while fighting for your rights.

Cheery people are tolerated easier than someon who's always grumbling. Life is what we make it for the most part with a few surprizes along the way. The object is not to let the unexpected throw you for a loop. When you overcome obstatles, you have more self-confidence, thus more self-esteem. Each of us are special in our own ways, whether it be naiteve, strength of character, high principles, even a temper. Our talents vary, and sometimes late-bloomers enjoy using a talent they always had but, in the past, someone had put down as worthless. Jealousy raises minor irritations to major proportions. There will always be someone who does not want you to succeed, so he can feel superior. As a matter of fact, he's a brute and should be treated as one.

To beat the blues when someone intentionally steps on your ability to override snide remarks, take a time out so as not to retaliate. Go for a ride on a different bus to see different people and things. Show interst in them and soon you'll feel more alive as you listen and observe. You mood improves and you not only feel better, you look better, too. Self-image is important, but we're not all beauties. Keep in mind you're not out to please others but to please yourself. Then, you will think, "What a beautiful world."

The Best Book on Manic Depression I've Read
Dr. Whybrow demonstrates his extensive knowledge regarding the spectrum of mood disorders in a highly interesting, entertaining, poetic and informative way. Never have I read a book by a doctor that actually humanizes the person and the condition in such depth, exploring the cultural, historical and philosophical/religious aspects of manic depression as well as detailing the intricacies of the effects of sleep, seasonal change, circadian rhythms, and lifestyle on mood. There is the typical discussion of medications, but this book does not focus solely on that as much literature in this realm does. Rather, this book covers nearly every topic worth mentioning in this extremely well-written, colorful, introspective, and fascinating read.