Bibliograph

Infectious madness, the surprising science of how we "catch" mental illness, Harriet A. Washington

Type

Label

Infectious madness, the surprising science of how we "catch" mental illness, Harriet A. Washington

Language

eng

Bibliography note

Includes bibliographical references (pages 255-279) and index

Illustrations

illustrations

Index

index present

Literary Form

non fiction

Main title

Infectious madness

Nature of contents

bibliography

Oclc number

900011975

Responsibility statement

Harriet A. Washington

Sub title

the surprising science of how we "catch" mental illness

Summary

What causes mental illness? Traditionally, we've blamed bad parenting, stress, trauma, genetics, and brain-chemistry imbalances. But in recent years, a new theory has quietly achieved critical mass. In her astonishing new book, author Harriet Washington reveals that many instances of schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, Alzheimer's, Tourette's, bipolar disorder, and anorexia are likely caused by bacteria, parasites, or viruses. That's right--you can "catch" mental illness. Weaving together cutting-edge research and startling case studies, Infectious Madness shows how strep throat can trigger OCD in a formerly healthy teen, how a pregnant woman's contact with cat litter can lead to schizophrenia in her child, and how gut bacteria that leak into the bloodstream may play a role in autism. Thanks in part to the sheer speed of their reproduction, microbes are beating us at a game of evolutionary chess; we must be vigilant if we hope to protect ourselves and our children from mind-altering infections. Washington shares innovative tactics from the front lines of medicine--like worm therapy, phages (viruses that infect bacteria), and the use of one microbe to fight another--and explains the dangers of carelessness, bad environmental policy, and misinformation. Rich in science, tantalizing medical mysteries, and practical advice, Infectious Madness pulls back the curtain on a new paradigm with profound implications for us all.--Adapted from book jacket

Table Of Contents

Germ theory redux : the acquisition of mental illness -- The fetus as battleground : early exposure and psychiatric fate -- Growing pains : "catching" anorexia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and Tourette's -- Gut feelings : the brain in your belly -- Microbial culture : pathogens and the shaping of societies -- Winning at evolutionary chess : strategies to outwit pathogens -- Tropical madness : infection and neglect in the developing world

Target audience

adult

Classification