Pathological

The True Story of Six Misdiagnoses

By: Sarah Fay

Narrated by: Gabra Zackman

USA TODAY NATIONAL BESTSELLER

AN APPLE BOOKS PICK OF THE MONTH

"Sharply personal and impeccably detailed."—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"[A] fiery manifesto of a memoir."—New York Times

“Masterfully written, distinctively researched, deeply humane … Genius.”—Anthony Swofford, international and New York Times bestselling author of Jarhead

“A major contribution … A necessary book.”—Johann Hari, author of Lost Connections

“This book is a triumph of the spirit and the flesh.”—Eliza Griswold, Pulitzer Prize–winning author of Amity and Prosperity

Is a psychiatric diagnosis a lifeline or a self-fulfilling prophecy?

In this stunning debut—both a memoir and work of investigative journalism—bestselling author and former advisory editor at The Paris Review Sarah Fay chronicles her harrowing journey through six psychiatric diagnoses that began when she was just twelve years old.

Diagnosed with anorexia, major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, ADHD, OCD, and bipolar disorder over twenty-five years, Fay lived under the weight of each label—until finally, while in her forties and no longer able to live independently, she began to question the very system that defined her. With exquisite detail and wry honesty, she digs up her own life at the root to reveal the crippling impact of overidentification with psychiatric diagnoses, especially for young people.

Pathological is both a cautionary tale and a deeply researched exposé. Fay discovers that some of our most prominent psychiatrists have been warning us that psychiatry's diagnostic bible—the DSM—isn’t the scientific manual it’s touted to be.

Powerful, mesmerizing, and unputdownable, Pathological calls for a new conversation about mental health—one based on transparency and patient empowerment. It sits alongside the other brave and inspiring classics of our time that explore a more intelligent, forgiving, and nuanced approach to human suffering.

very interesting

I appreciated all the information as well as the personal experience of the author.

Psych PhD's opinion!

Loved it. I get how mental health professionals use the DSM as a "bible" without questioning it and dismiss patients perception. I also get how mental health professionals are overworked and sometimes make crazy decisions or don't keep up with the literature. Some need more intellectual humility and compassion. The author understands this and gives a balanced account. Her personal story makes it better because the story is her LIFE and this is what's important, not the diagnosis. I differ from other reviews that the story is scattered....that's usually how patients and pretty much everyone tells a story. This makes it more authentic. Also it helps by not making this book a textbook about the dsm.

The chapter on solitude was my favorite hands down. The extrovert world always has a negative opinion on solitude unless you're a monk.

The narration is PERFECT.

Excelente historia

Creo que la historia se extendió más que lo que debería, sin embargo es un excelente libro. Me abrió los ojos acerca de la medicina en el mundo de la psiquatría. Es impresionante y triste saber que el estado actual de ese sistema es tan deficiente y con bases tan mal estructuradas.

Sarah pasó de ser una persona que creía en todo lo que sus médicos decían, a cuestionarse e investigar, que es algo que todos deberíamos aprender a hacer. Sin embargo, considero que aún faltó más información científica en el libro,

En general me gustó y sí lo recomiendo ya que no estamos excentos a estar en este tipo de situaciones, y es mejor conocer cómo funciona esta línea de la medicina.

Thank you

Thank you for sharing your story and breaking the stigma! Will have to learn punctuation another time :)

Incisive and fascinating

Though I don’t agree with every point the author makes about diagnoses (since my ADHD med has precluded the need for any other meds) I appreciate her exploration of the lack of validity of the DSM versions. There is a lot of work to be done in this area.

The story was well told. I especially appreciate the author’s willingness to disclose this journey despite the threat of stigma.