Into the Abyss: A Neuropsychiatrist's Notes on Troubled Minds

I highly recommend this book, especially to anyone training to work in or working in the UK Community Mental Health or Psychiatric setting, there is A LOT of useful information about processes which are almost universal, or which ought to be standardized, in the setting's assessment and patient care.That said it deserves the widest possible audience of professionals or non-professionals it is just such a helpful and accessible source and could do a lot to raise awareness of the reality of mental illness and the available responses to it.Chapters are divided into case studies of particular patients but address key types of illness or disorder, such as locked in syndrome or psychological/behavioural disorders which closely resemble it, this chapter had some great information on patients using google to self-diagnose or challenge diagnosis and how that goes.The stories recounted are never one dimensional airings of grievances or frustrations and they are not journalistic, there is empathy, compassion and hope in each account. Its easy, especially with the audio recording, to share relief at recovery and frustrations with seemingly interminable illness.The audio recording is what I have been listening too and I think its of a great standard, very clear narration, good pacing, good use of tone and inflection of speech to provide emphasis or bring the text alive. Its been a great plus to be able to listen to this during my daily commute to and from work and I plan to give it a second and a third listen soon when I get a better audio CD listening station set up at home.

Could not put it down. Brilliant in the way it was written, and the warm humane way mental illness is described. His personal experience of his work. I would recommend this book to all mental health workers whatever discipline.

A fascinating account of a career in Neuropsychiatry. Each chapter addresses a different psychiatric condition, providing a useful 'laymans' summary but is brought to life and put in context by examples via a variety of patients who have come into Professor David's care.The book is well written and engaging, with moments of humour (which must be essential in such a career). There's also some real humanity, compassion and empathy; a medical professional who's above all seeking to improve the lives of his patients.We share the highs and lows, the satisfaction of those successfully treated and frustrations for those beyond its reaches.I would highly recommend this book.

I found this book to be incredibly interesting and well written. It cleverly combines facts and narrative, with unassuming humour and an underlying tenderness in depicting each case history. It provides a fascinating insight into areas which are often misunderstood. I found myself learning, laughing and at times, close to tears. Highly recommended.

Thin.

An absolutely exceptional read.I thought I would struggle having no background into neuroscience or psychology however it was light hearted and insightful.I honestly couldn’t put it down .Would recommend to anyone !

Interesting to hear about the more challenging cases and the approaches taken. I’d have preferred more detail and fewer examples.

Infinitely fascinating insights from a man of genuine wisdom, charisma and wit. Loved it!

A book that introduces you to minds that are not mindful. of their minds.

Extremely interesting and well written. Cases are unusual and very fascinating. I highly recommend it. This author seems like an excellent doctor as well as a writer.

I absolutely love this book. As someone who works in the behavioral health profession and someone who is also studying psychology, this book is full of very valuable information.

Amazon markets this book as 2020 a cutting edge schizophrenia book, the latest! ... I like the book's description on the Amazon website and that was helpful to my research. But the content of the book proper was not that interesting or useful itself...

There is very little useful information in this book. The author is interested in self praise. If I were a patient with the problems detailed in the book, I would avoid all neuropsychiatrists.