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This book delves into the complex world of psychiatric illnesses that continue to evade full medical comprehension. Through poignant case histories, it puts a human face on mental afflictions that all too often defy satisfactory treatment. The author presents compelling narratives of patients wrestling with disorders ranging from depression to schizophrenia, capturing both the uniqueness of each individual's experience as well as the common threads of chaos and suffering that bind them. Interwoven with these intimate portraits is an accessible examination of leading theories on the biochemical basis of mental illness.
Though significant knowledge gaps remain, the book brings to light important scientific insights into the genes, pathways, and neurotransmitters that may lie at the root of so much torment. Written with equal parts sensitivity, curiosity and rigor, this work illuminates the lingering mystery of the mind while paying tribute to those who struggle daily with its most devastating failures.
About the author
Hannah Haworth was born in New Zealand in 1943 where she lived until 1966 when she moved to Australia. Her mother was a cruel and vindictive psychopath who divorced her father when Hannah was 9 months old. Like all psychopaths, Hannah's mother engaged in a slanderous smear campaign, in relation to Hannah's father, in order to justify her initiation of the divorce proceedings. This meant Hannah became the sole victim of her mother's vindictive behaviour that was well hidden from public view. Hannah, therefore, had no viable support leaving her with only two life choices, to either sink or swim. Hannah chose to swim.
