Women's Madness: Misogyny or Mental Illness?

Investigates theories about and treatment of mental illness and depression, from the witchcraft trials to the Victorian era to the 20th century. Rather than taking one view, the author presents, examines and critiques various different stances and theories, from those of psychiatrists to therapists, sociologists, feminists, and 1960s antipsychiatrists. The text is fairly academic in tone, but perfectly readable, and provides detailed footnotes (many suggestions of other places to read and explore). I often found myself agreeing with parts of the views presented, but feeling that their proponants (whether they're feminists, antipsychiatrists or sociologists) were taking too narrow an approach and ignoring other valid points - particularly the actual experiences of the women defined as mad. As a woman who has suffered from severe depression for many years, I found that the more political interpretations of mental illness ignored the very real anguish it represents; while the purely medical interpretations ignore the very real social and political aspects.So I was pleased when, after presenting and examining the various viewpoints, the author agreed with me, suggesting that all the issues raised were valid, but none were the whole or one answer. The main problem with this book is simply that as it is now 10 years old, a number of the references are now becoming out of date. The medical treatment of depression has changed radically in the past 10 years, with new drugs and many more drugs being prescribed than ever before. This must be born in mind as you read.