The An Unquiet Mind - Book Report/Review Example

? An Unquiet Mind by Kay Jamison An Unquiet Mind by Kay Jamison In her book titled “An Unquiet Mind”, Jamison gives a captivating narrative that reveals her struggle with manic-depressive disorder, which is also known as Bipolar 1 disorder. A psychiatry professor at John Hopkins University School of Medicine, Kay Jamison not only recounts her own struggles with the mental illness but also how she has been able to use her experience to treat patients similarly affected as well as crusade for a better understanding of the disorder. It is through this dual perspective of being a healer and healed that makes Jamison’s memoir to be profoundly affecting, learned and captivating. Although the disorder frequently paralyzed her daily activities by propelling her into episodes of violence, spending sprees and even suicide attempts in some occasions, it also brought her boundless creativity and energy. This paper critically discusses the aspects of bipolar disorder with particular focus to Jamison’s revelations of struggles with the illness as well as how it shaped her life. Throughout the book, the author critically reflects on her condition and argues that given choice, she will still choose to have the disorder it has given her an opportunity to experience more things, learn a number of values as well as test the limits of her mind. For instance, the author argues that her choice of psychiatry as a career was particularly due to her personal quest to gain a better understanding of her emotionally volatile and disruptive condition. Jamison also further admits that she chose and succeeded in her profession largely because of the in subservience caused by her manic depressive illness. Despite the fact that she suffered her first attack by the disorder at the age of 17, her resultant innovativeness and super human energy enabled her to excel into her career and earn her Ph.D. in psychiatry. As a professional psychiatrist, Jamison objected taking antidepressants since she did not consider herself a psychiatric patient. “I was a true manic beyond recognition and a costly personal war against Lithium; a medication that I would later strongly recommend to my patients had just begun” (4). Her professional training however enabled her to effectively handle her intense perceptions and fluctuating moods with minimal the need for any assistance. Jamison also vividly highlights some of the classic symptoms of manic-depressive illness such as her frequent feelings of loneliness, overwhelming sense of inadequacy, bouts of insomnia and inability to concentrate. She goes on to narrate how some of these moods and symptoms caused her an irresolvable inner conflict, which caused her to drop out of college (Jamison, 1995, p.34-40). On the other hand, according to the author, the fear of taking medication among many Bipolar 1 disorder patients is often associated with the shame and stigma of the illness. This is clearly seen when Jamison narrates her fears that her career would be over if only her colleagues at work new of her condition. She also feared her personal relationships may also be damaged as well. In her struggles with the illness, Jamison knew that medication was her last hope and decided that if it that was not going to work, then her last hope would be to commit suicide. Generally most individuals suffering from manic-depressive disorder do not want to take medication because they do not want to admit their condition, Jamison’s case clearly illustrates that such patients need medication as well because no amount of psychotherapy alone can treat the symptoms of their illness. For example, although Jamison’s struggle to deny her medical condition and avoid drug therapy is not uncommon among mental illness patients particularly if they are medical professionals, she was only able to overcome her illness through a combination of strong support from colleagues and friends, excellent psychiatric care and her own acceptance of the illness. Jamison categorically makes it clear that Bipolar 1 disorder patients must always remain on lithium and remain vigilant. Generally the author’s experiences reveal that that bipolar disorder has both psychological and social effect to the affected individuals. For example, one of the biological effects of the disorder include sleep disturbance and in some instances patients waking up to episodes of depression/mania. Additionally persons with bipolar disorder usually suffer from biological conditions such as hypomania whereby an individual may appear more excitable and energetic. This is particularly attributed to the fact that the disorder is often characterized by disruptive mood swings. It is however worth noting that some symptoms such as mania alternated by signs of depression also make it difficult to manage manic-depressive disorder. Although the causes of bipolar disorder normally vary, the author agrees that most of the cases of illness are attributed to genetic disorder, physiological and environmental factors. According to Power (2004), a number of genes on particular chromosomal regions are associated with the development and progression of bipolar disorder. According to other researchers genetic mutations particularly due to advanced paternal age may increase the chances of bipolar disorder in the offspring. On the other hand, physiological causes of the disorder are attributed to structural and functional anomalies of the brain circuits. Lastly it has also been found that environmental factors such as traumatic experiences may significantly increase the likelihood of bipolar disorder. Currently there are a number of drugs that can be used to supplement psychotherapy and help manage the condition. For example, drugs such as mood stabilizers are normally used to prevent instances of depression. On the other hand, psychosocial therapy is generally aimed at identifying the major triggers and avoiding them in order to alleviate the core symptoms Power, 2004). For example, cognitive behavioral therapy may effectively be used in the support and recovery of the affected individuals. Jamison argues that family support is also another important factor in the management of Bipolar 1 disorder. For example, she narrates how her condition gave her an overwhelming sense of drive as well as a great feeling of care and compassion which made her achieve her academic goals. Immediately after being diagnosed with the condition, most of patients often experience a sense of inadequacy (Power, 2004(class notes). This is particularly attributed to the social stigma and this may potentially worsen their case. Consequently apart from regular medication and psychotherapy, the management of Bipolar 1 disorder requires commitment and strong personal relationships between individuals suffering from the illness and their families, colleagues and friends. In spite of admitting that her condition interfered with her normal way of life, Jamison passionately narrates how she has been able to use the condition as a strong point to achieve her personal goals beyond what normal people would ordinarily achieve. Consequently the author successfully argues that there is no need for self pity but patients suffering from the illness should cultivate courage and determination in order to make the best out of their condition. She also suggests that that apart from family and psychosocial support it is important for Bipolar 1 disorder patients to deal with the disruptive tendencies associated with the illness such as self-denial and a sense of inadequacy so as to enable them effectively manage the condition. In conclusion Jamison’s memoir is a captivating narrative that effectively highlights some of the classic symptoms of manic-depressive illness, the needs of the affected patients as well as the potential positive attributes that are normally associated with the mental illness. Throughout the book, the narration of the author’s own experiences with the condition both as a patient and as a doctor provides a powerful insight into the understanding of manic depressive disorder. References Jamison, K. (1995). An Unquiet Mind: A Memoir of Moods and Madness New York: Random House. Power, M. (2004). Mood Disorders: A Handbook of science and practice. New York: J. Wiley and sons publishers. Read More