The Irritable Male Syndrome: Managing the 4 Key Causes of Depression & Aggression

This was an eye opening book for me. It really helped to explain things I was doing and feeling without ever realizing it. It's a must read.

This is one of the few books of this nature where I have read every single page. It describes my husband to a T-for-testoterone. While my husband insists that there is nothing wrong with him, and the rest of the world is against him, I have been able to encourage some of the diet changes: a multi-vitamin (for zinc and B-vitamins), and cutting back on artificial sweetener. When I sent an e-mail to the author, I did get back a thoughtful referral, although the referrals are to expensive places that are out of state. But it's helpful to have this book, because I can cite it to health and mental health care professionals, "see, what he does is on page 42, and 43, and 44 ..." I agree that it does go on and on before getting to the helpful information in the back third of the book. My guess is the publisher wanted to get it up to a certain page count. I get the picture with one or two examples, but I would rather have more information, than less information. So this is not a major detraction, and the book was VERY helpful in articulating what I see to be true. Now if I can only figure out how to get my husband to agree to get help. I am not ready to issue a divorce ultimatum, but if the angry blowups continue, what else can I do? At least I'll have some informed suggestions to make when the time comes.

This book has effected the way I think about men, women, relationships, myself, and the people close to me. Jed Diamond has incorportated medical and psychological research, the experiences of his patients (male and female), and his own experiences as therapist and husband into an insightful book that is not only informative, but hopeful and humorous at times. This book is written directly for men, but continually allows for the reader as a woman who is involved with a man that may be suffering from Irritable Male Syndrome. Several questionnaires included in the book are helpful with identification of Irritable Male Syndrome and depression, and the author covers physical, psychological, and societal causes. I particularly liked his take on changing gender roles and masculine identity. I was a little disappointed in the organization of the book in that all of the information about what to do to help yourself (if you're a man) or help your partner (if you're a woman) is in the third and last section of the book. I would have preferred helpful information along the way according to the cases and ideas he presents. All in all, a great find!

Jed Diamond has empathy for the male experience. He captures with clarity the biological, psychological, and interpersonal dynamics that contribute to irritable male syndrome and delivers practical solutions to men and their partners. I am impressed with his compassion, empathy, and practical solutions For men going through this difficult process. This is a hopeful book that offers psychological and spiritual wisdom to those men who are struggling with anger, depression, and the changing emotional realities of their lives. Fredric E. Rabinowitz, Ph.D. Professor of Psychology, University of Redlands; President, Society for the Psychological Study of Men and Masculinity, Co-author of Men and Depression: Clinical and Empirical Perspectives, Deepening Psychotherapy with Men, and Man Alive: A Primer of Men's Issues.

Why do so many husbands, fathers, and sons who are normally very loving and kind suddenly become irritable, angry, and withdrawn? That is the question answered in The Irritable Male Syndrome by best-selling author Jed Diamond. In the book he describes how the syndrome is diagnosed, what to expect, and how to treat it. Current research shows that the four primary factors for Irritable Male Syndrome are changing testosterone levels, chemical imbalances, loss of masculine identity, and stress. This book exposes the emotions and thoughts in the deepest parts of many men. While some may control those emotions and so not exhibit irritable male syndrome, the book still does an excellent job of describing many of the stresses and emotional traits of men as well as offering explanations and ways to deal with them. This is by far one of the best self-help, psychology based books I have read this year and one of the best I have ever read. The Irritable Male Syndrome is very highly recommended and should be read by all women who want to understand their husband, boyfriend, or significant other as well as those who may be suffering with the syndrome or those who love them.