"An Unquiet Mind": The Experience of Bipolar Disorder Book Review by Nicky
A review of the book "An Unquiet Mind" by Kay Jamison.
# 151441
| 1,401 words
| 1 source
| APA
| 2012
| 
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Description:
The paper discusses Jamison's experience as a sufferer of bipolar disorder and looks at how, in her book "An Unquiet Mind" she describes the strange attractions of the manic state as well as the side effects of taking medication. The paper notes the book's relatively sparse chapter breakdown, its long and passionate sentences and its simplicity and accessibility. The paper points out the book's fixation on lithium as the main treatment for bipolar illness and its argument for a combined strategy in treating this disorder.
From the Paper:
"Jamison's decision to reveal her condition in prose form is brave, given that it could have destroyed her credibility as an objective researcher. She admits that some of her academic colleagues were shocked, even disappointed when she revealed her condition: scientists are supposed to be separate from the illnesses they study, not sick themselves. However, Jamison sees her perspective as strength--she has a unique vantage point to appreciate the balance between biology, genetics, environment, and personality that gives rise to bipolar disorder. What is personality, she asks, in light of her experiences? Because the swings of moods, from mania to depression can be so alarming in the case of bipolar disorder, the illness seems to challenge the very notion of identity itself."Jamison also admits to the strange attractions of the manic state--to be able to do without sleep and food, unlike ordinary people can be intoxicating. Mania is a period of intense creativity, but quickly burns itself out. When Jamison was stabilized by lithium, she experienced a sense of regret. Because of the seductive power of mania, Jamison argues from the force of experience as well as from the distance and knowledge her newly stabilized mental state has given her: "I have become fundamentally and deeply skeptical that anyone who does not have this illness can truly understand it" (Jamison, 1995, p.171)"
Sample of Sources Used:
- Jamison, Kay. (1995). An unquiet mind. New York: Vintage
Cite this Book Review:
APA Format
"An Unquiet Mind": The Experience of Bipolar Disorder (2012, June 11)
Retrieved December 02, 2023, from https://www.academon.com/book-review/an-unquiet-mind-the-experience-of-bipolar-disorder-151441/
MLA Format
""An Unquiet Mind": The Experience of Bipolar Disorder" 11 June 2012.
Web. 02 December. 2023. <https://www.academon.com/book-review/an-unquiet-mind-the-experience-of-bipolar-disorder-151441/>