Can't Just Stop: An Investigation of Compulsions - Softcover

Begley, Sharon

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1472140117 ISBN 13: 9781472140111

Publisher: Robinson, 2017

Synopsis

HIGHLY COMMENDED for the British Medical Awards book prize for Popular Medicine

'Filled with emotionally resonant stories, Can't Just Stop helps us understand not only the underpinnings of some forms of mental illness, but also the everyday worries that drive so much of our behaviour. A fascinating peek into the human mind in our age of anxiety.'
David Kessler, author of Capture: Unraveling the Mystery of Mental Suffering

Do you check your smartphone continuously for messages? Or perhaps do the weekly shop with military precision? Maybe you always ensure the cutlery is perfectly lined up on the table?

Compulsion is something most of us have witnessed in daily life. But compulsions exist along a broad continuum, and at the opposite end of these mild forms are life-altering disorders.

Sharon Begley's meticulously researched book is the first of its kind to examine the science behind both mild and extreme compulsive behaviour; using fascinating case studies to understand their deeper meaning and reveal the truth about human compulsion - that it is a coping response to varying degrees of anxiety.

Through the personal stories of dozens of interviewees exhibiting behaviours such as OCD, hoarding, compulsive acquiring, exercise or even altruism, Begley employs genuine compassion and gives meaningful context to their plight. Along the way she explores the role of compulsion in our fast paced culture, the neuroscience behind it, and strange manifestations of the behaviour throughout history.

Can't Just Stop makes compulsion comprehensible and accessible, exploring how we can realistically grapple with it in ourselves and in those we love.

About this title

Review

Sharon Begley has done us all a service, writing about compulsion without writing about disease, and offering a new perspective on a phenomenon that is common if not universal. People troubled by their own compulsive behavior will appreciate her nuanced and balanced approach and perhaps come away with a new understanding of themselves.
Gary Greenberg, THE BOOK OF WOE: The DSM and the Unmaking of Psychiatry
Filled with emotionally resonant stories, Can't Just Stop helps us understand not only the underpinnings of some forms of mental illness, but also the everyday worries that drive so much of our behavior. A fascinating peek into the human mind in our age of anxiety.
David Kessler, author of CAPTURE: Unraveling the Mystery of Mental Suffering"

"Begley's final chapter on brain function in the compulsive mind contains fresh insight that could fundamentally alter how we think of, and treat, mental illness going forward."
Publishers Weekly
"[Begley's] captivating, accessible anecdotes of individual cases lead to unforgettable scenarios."
Kirkus
Sharon Begley has done us all a service, writing about compulsion without writing about diseaseand offering a new perspective on a phenomenon that is common if not universal. People troubled by their own compulsive behavior will appreciate her nuanced and balanced approach and perhaps come away with a new understanding of themselves.
Gary Greenberg, THE BOOK OF WOE: The DSM and the Unmaking of Psychiatry
Sharon Begley is the liveliest science writer around.Can't Just Stopoffers both a state-of-the-science look at compulsions (and who doesn't have some?) and a delightful read."
Daniel Goleman, EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ
Filled with emotionally resonant stories, Can't Just Stop helps us understand not only the underpinnings of some forms of mental illness, but also the everyday worries that drive so much of our behavior. A fascinating peek into the human mind in our age of anxiety.
David Kessler, author of CAPTURE: Unraveling the Mystery of Mental Suffering
At once fascinating and compassionate, funny and informative, this volume should be on the bookshelf of every psychiatrist, and on the nightstand of anyone who enjoys absorbing and incisive writing.
Joel Gold, M.D., author ofSUSPICIOUS MINDS: How Culture Shapes Madness"

"In this fascinating read, Begley combines a personal topic with thoughtfulness and sensitivity. Recommended for anyone interested in learning more about compulsive behavior."
--Library Journal
"Begley's final chapter on brain function in the compulsive mind contains fresh insight that could fundamentally alter how we think of, and treat, mental illness going forward."
--Publishers Weekly
"[Begley's] captivating, accessible anecdotes of individual cases lead to unforgettable scenarios."
--Kirkus
"Sharon Begley has done us all a service, writing about compulsion without writing about disease and offering a new perspective on a phenomenon that is common if not universal. People troubled by their own compulsive behavior will appreciate her nuanced and balanced approach and perhaps come away with a new understanding of themselves."
--Gary Greenberg, THE BOOK OF WOE: The DSM and the Unmaking of Psychiatry
"Sharon Begley is the liveliest science writer around. Can't Just Stop offers both a state-of-the-science look at compulsions (and who doesn't have some?) and a delightful read."
--Daniel Goleman, EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ
"Filled with emotionally resonant stories, Can't Just Stop helps us understand not only the underpinnings of some forms of mental illness, but also the everyday worries that drive so much of our behavior. A fascinating peek into the human mind in our age of anxiety."
--David Kessler, author of CAPTURE: Unraveling the Mystery of Mental Suffering
"At once fascinating and compassionate, funny and informative, this volume should be on the bookshelf of every psychiatrist, and on the nightstand of anyone who enjoys absorbing and incisive writing."
--Joel Gold, M.D., author of SUSPICIOUS MINDS: How Culture Shapes Madness

"A fascinating read about human behavior and how it can go haywire."
--The Charlotte Observer
"In this fascinating read, Begley combines a personal topic with thoughtfulness and sensitivity. Recommended for anyone interested in learning more about compulsive behavior."
--Library Journal
"Begley's final chapter on brain function in the compulsive mind contains fresh insight that could fundamentally alter how we think of, and treat, mental illness going forward."
--Publishers Weekly
"[Begley's] captivating, accessible anecdotes of individual cases lead to unforgettable scenarios."
--Kirkus
"Sharon Begley has done us all a service, writing about compulsion without writing about disease and offering a new perspective on a phenomenon that is common if not universal. People troubled by their own compulsive behavior will appreciate her nuanced and balanced approach and perhaps come away with a new understanding of themselves."
--Gary Greenberg, THE BOOK OF WOE: The DSM and the Unmaking of Psychiatry
"Sharon Begley is the liveliest science writer around. Can't Just Stop offers both a state-of-the-science look at compulsions (and who doesn't have some?) and a delightful read."
--Daniel Goleman, EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ
"Filled with emotionally resonant stories, Can't Just Stop helps us understand not only the underpinnings of some forms of mental illness, but also the everyday worries that drive so much of our behavior. A fascinating peek into the human mind in our age of anxiety."
--David Kessler, author of CAPTURE: Unraveling the Mystery of Mental Suffering
"At once fascinating and compassionate, funny and informative, this volume should be on the bookshelf of every psychiatrist, and on the nightstand of anyone who enjoys absorbing and incisive writing."
--Joel Gold, M.D., author of SUSPICIOUS MINDS: How Culture Shapes Madness

"Compelling... One of the strengths of this book is Begley's rigorous clarity about her subject matter... Begley takes us on a tour of compulsions through history and the fascinating transition as they moved from being seen as a religious phenomenon to being regarded as a medical illness... [A] fine work."
--The Washington Post
"A fascinating read about human behavior and how it can go haywire."
--The Charlotte Observer
"In this fascinating read, Begley combines a personal topic with thoughtfulness and sensitivity. Recommended for anyone interested in learning more about compulsive behavior."
--Library Journal
"Begley's final chapter on brain function in the compulsive mind contains fresh insight that could fundamentally alter how we think of, and treat, mental illness going forward."
--Publishers Weekly
"[Begley's] captivating, accessible anecdotes of individual cases lead to unforgettable scenarios."
--Kirkus
"Sharon Begley has done us all a service, writing about compulsion without writing about disease and offering a new perspective on a phenomenon that is common if not universal. People troubled by their own compulsive behavior will appreciate her nuanced and balanced approach and perhaps come away with a new understanding of themselves."
--Gary Greenberg, THE BOOK OF WOE: The DSM and the Unmaking of Psychiatry
"Sharon Begley is the liveliest science writer around. Can't Just Stop offers both a state-of-the-science look at compulsions (and who doesn't have some?) and a delightful read."
--Daniel Goleman, EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ
"Filled with emotionally resonant stories, Can't Just Stop helps us understand not only the underpinnings of some forms of mental illness, but also the everyday worries that drive so much of our behavior. A fascinating peek into the human mind in our age of anxiety."
--David Kessler, author of CAPTURE: Unraveling the Mystery of Mental Suffering
"At once fascinating and compassionate, funny and informative, this volume should be on the bookshelf of every psychiatrist, and on the nightstand of anyone who enjoys absorbing and incisive writing."
--Joel Gold, M.D., author of SUSPICIOUS MINDS: How Culture Shapes Madness

"Begley, a senior writer at The Boston Globe's life sciences publication Stat, is among the best there is at translating complex science for a general audience. On the whole, Can't Just Stop is fast-paced and engaging without being simplistic, and Begley shows admirable restraint in eschewing news-you-can-use prescriptions for how to improve your productivity or otherwise better your life."
--The New York Times Book Review

"A fascinating read about human behavior and how it can go haywire."
--The Charlotte Observer

"In this fascinating read, Begley combines a personal topic with thoughtfulness and sensitivity. Recommended for anyone interested in learning more about compulsive behavior."
--Library Journal

"Begley's final chapter on brain function in the compulsive mind contains fresh insight that could fundamentally alter how we think of, and treat, mental illness going forward."
--Publishers Weekly

"[Begley's] captivating, accessible anecdotes of individual cases lead to unforgettable scenarios."
--Kirkus

"Sharon Begley has done us all a service, writing about compulsion without writing about disease and offering a new perspective on a phenomenon that is common if not universal. People troubled by their own compulsive behavior will appreciate her nuanced and balanced approach and perhaps come away with a new understanding of themselves."
--Gary Greenberg, THE BOOK OF WOE: The DSM and the Unmaking of Psychiatry

"Sharon Begley is the liveliest science writer around. Can't Just Stop offers both a state-of-the-science look at compulsions (and who doesn't have some?) and a delightful read."
--Daniel Goleman, EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ

"Filled with emotionally resonant stories, Can't Just Stop helps us understand not only the underpinnings of some forms of mental illness, but also the everyday worries that drive so much of our behavior. A fascinating peek into the human mind in our age of anxiety."
--David Kessler, author of CAPTURE: Unraveling the Mystery of Mental Suffering

"At once fascinating and compassionate, funny and informative, this volume should be on the bookshelf of every psychiatrist, and on the nightstand of anyone who enjoys absorbing and incisive writing."
--Joel Gold, M.D., author of SUSPICIOUS MINDS: How Culture Shapes Madness

Book Description

Sharon Begley examines the whole spectrum of compulsive behaviour, and explains how even the most mild of compulsions can signify anxiety.

About this edition

• Publisher: Robinson
• Publication date: 2017
• ISBN 10: 1472140117
• ISBN 13: 9781472140111
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 304