A Mood Apart: Depression, Mania, and Other Afflictions of the Self

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.

I whole heartedly agree with all of the other reviews. This book is tremendously insightful. I would like to add that this is not a book solely about bi-polar and manic depression. It is also about unipolar depression. I found that to read about all these types of depression together to be very insightful about my own place amongst all the variations. And this was a very interesting point made by the book that all these types of variables do occur in people without the dehabilitating forms of these illnesses. The form of the illness is not out of the ordinary, so to speak. Excellent book. Layered with insights into biology, psychology, history, genetics, and evolutionary adaptation.

If someone were to ask me, "What scientist, by nature of their perspective, could ever understand the depths of humanity?" - I would pluck this book from my shelf and hand it to them. Whybrow truly investigates the subjective and the objective aspects of 'mood disorders' (in the clinical sense) and, by way of dialogue, synthesizes the two approaches into a singular perspective. He explores the emotional continuum - from mania to melancholia - in such a clear and concise fashion that anyone (scientist or humanist) can acquire knowledge, as well as wisdom, through Whybrow's book, A Mood Apart.

I was recently diagnosed bipolar I at 37 years old. I'm also in in alcohol recovery through a major Detroit hospital. Reading this text was as if reading about myself. My wife has found its contents helpful as well. Dr. Whybrow must be commended on a masterpiece...he seems to be truly compassionate toward those who suffer this hellish disease. God bless you, doctor for professionals like yourself. "We" need you.

"A Mood Apart" is aptly subtitled " Depression, Mania and Other Affliction of the Self". It is a must-read by anyone touched with unipolar depression or Bipolar Disorder, whether sufferer, family member, physician, or researcher. It is an excellent volume for layperson and professional alike. Dr. Whybrow recognizes that other parts of the person, the soul are deeply affected by this illness. It's not just a chemical problem. Dr. Whybrow's writing style is clear, concise, descriptive and charming. Using several case histories through the book, Whybrow examines what we have learned against the light of real people and thus, brings the reader forward in understanding, one step at a time. He presented information that I have not found elsewhere about the limbic system and emotion and ties it all into the person, the patient that has to live with it. Singular views of the use of pills or therapy alone have finally been put to rest with his careful reasoning. He brings them together into a cohesive