Infectious madness : the surprising science of how we "catch" mental illness
Book
First edition.
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.
Available copies
- 8 of 9 copies available at Westchester Library System.
- 0 of 0 copies available at The Field Library.
Current holds
0 current holds with 9 total copies.| Location | Call Number / Shelving Location |
Barcode | Status / Due Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Briarcliff Manor Public Library | 616.89 WASHINGTON (Text) Nonfiction |
31036150783873 |
Available - |
| Chappaqua Library | 616.89 WASHINGTON (Text) Nonfiction |
31005600000154 |
Available - |
| Hendrick Hudson Free Library | 616.89 W (Text) Nonfiction |
31016151488383 |
Available - |
| Katonah Village Library | 616.89 W (Text) Nonfiction |
31013151644727 |
Available - |
| Larchmont Public Library | 616.8907 W (Text) Nonfiction |
31014152323923 |
Checked out 05/03/2024 |
| Mamaroneck Public Library District | 616.8907 WAS (Text) Nonfiction |
31015152147048 |
Available - |
| New Rochelle Public Library | 616.89 W (Text) Nonfiction |
31019155760229 |
Available - |
| Scarsdale Public Library | 616.89 W (Text) Nonfiction |
31029153981321 |
Available - |
| Warner Library | 616.89 W (Text) Nonfiction |
31033151780388 |
Available - |