English language
Published Jan. 5, 2012 by Free Press.
The book narrates Cahalan's issues with anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis and the process by which she was diagnosed with this form of encephalitis. She wakes up in a hospital with no memory of the events of the previous month, during which time she would have violent episodes and delusions. Her eventual diagnosis is made more difficult by various physicians misdiagnosing her with several theories such as "partying too much" and schizoaffective disorder.
The book also covers Cahalan's life after her recovery, including her reactions to watching videotapes of her psychotic episodes while in the hospital.
Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis is a rare condition that presents with a range of severe psychiatric and neurological symptoms. Reading about how it manifests and how the diagnosis was made was very exciting. Recommended.
A good reminder of how we rely on our brains to perform miraculous feats for us daily. When they falter we're not likely to survive, which makes the stories of those who do interesting and valuable.
If I am ever acting crazy, please go find Susannah Cahalan's doctor before checking me into a mental institution.
This is an interesting story of one woman's journey into a world of misdiagnosis, disease, and madness. Part medical mystery, part memoir, part cautionary tale, you get a unique perspective into her illness and recovery. I was left thinking about how many patients are misdiagnosed and assumed to be mentally ill when they really have a curable disease. Very scary to consider. Also, her boyfriend and family should be considered for sainthood. It was hard on all of them but they didn't give up. Good people, right there.
And seriously, if I am not acting like myself, make sure I don't have encephalitis. I can't stress this enough.
