Vaughan Bell

Explore the little-known lives of people with learning disabilities from the 18th century to the present day. "Those They Called Idiots" uses court records, literature, and art to showcase the explosive intersection of ideas about intelligence and race, while revealing the often-overlooked stories of society's most marginalized individuals.

"When It Is Darkest" is a compassionate and personal book that provides indispensable advice on how to deal with suicide. Written by an expert in the field of suicide prevention who has been personally affected by suicide, this book untangles the complex reasons behind suicide and dispels unhelpful myths. If you are trying to help someone vulnerable, this book will provide crucial advice on communication, while for those struggling with the tragedy of suicide, it will help you find strength in the darkest of places.

A manifesto for a more rigorous approach to scientific data, Science Fictions shines a light on the bias, incompetence, and fraud that plague the peer-reviewed world. With a Freakonomics-style examination, Stuart Richie's book uncovers the replication crisis in science, where famous experiments are proving unrepeatable and the conclusions of countless studies are downright wrong. Readers will be empowered with a toolkit for spotting bad science to save the field from itself.

"Malignant Sadness" is an international bestseller that offers a uniquely empathetic exploration of depression. Part memoir and part scientific inquiry, the book details the author's own battle with the illness while offering a discussion of everything we know about the causes and treatments of depression. Dr. Wolpert advocates for a more holistic approach to helping those struggling with this pervasive disease.

An important work from the social sciences, originally published in 1980, is now included in a collection of 112 volumes, "The International Behavioural and Social Sciences Library: Classics from the Tavistock Press". This volume discusses Psychiatry in Dissent, presenting new ideas and questioning conventional wisdom in the field. The entire collection is available for purchase or individual volumes can be bought separately.

This classic mental health book provides a credible critique of the anti-psychiatry movement, analyzing the ideas of influential figures such as Goffman, Laing, Szasz, and Foucault. The author proposes a politics of mental health that emphasizes collective responsibility for mental health care and challenges the overemphasis on individual civil liberty. With wide-ranging implications for political activism and social movements, this book is as relevant today as ever. The new edition includes a foreword placing the book in its contemporary context and the author's 1983 address to the Royal College of Psychiatrists.

Discover how disruptions in the brain's communication can lead to complex disorders like depression, schizophrenia, addiction, and PTSD in this pioneering work by Nobel Prize winner Eric R. Kandel. Through his insightful research, Kandel explores the mysteries of the brain and its link with the human experience. His studies of autism, depression, addiction, and Parkinson's reveal surprising insights on our most fundamental capabilities and what it means to be human. Journey with Kandel as he delves into the neurological foundations of our social instincts and memories and uncovers the secrets of consciousness itself.

Explore the fascinating and chequered history of amphetamines with this eye-opening book by a leading authority on psychoactive drugs. From wartime use to beat generation abuse and the popularity of Ecstasy, this book delves into the uses and effects of amphetamines on individuals, including those with attention deficit disorders. Gain a factual account of the medical claims surrounding amphetamine-based treatments, and the truth behind the harm and benefits of these stimulants. Don't miss out on this engaging and informative read.

Explore the history of humanity's addiction to the "Milk of Paradise" - from ancient Mesopotamia to modern America and Afghanistan. This captivating journey from poppy tears to synthetic opiates examines the trade, crime, sex, war, and literature surrounding this addictive and hugely profitable agricultural product. From acclaimed cultural historian Lucy Inglis, Milk of Paradise is a wide-ranging and compelling account of our shared history and the forces that shape our world.

Exploring the fascinating history of neurological illnesses and their impact on patients, this book delves into the challenges faced by those with conditions such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, Tourette's, multiple sclerosis, and stroke. Through the centuries, countless stories have been told about neurological patients, often romanticizing their conditions and portraying them as performers of philosophical insights. However, the reality is that these patients were often difficult to diagnose, with treatments that posed ethical concerns and challenges for both patients and caregivers. This kaleidoscopic study sheds light on the cultural construction of the neurological patient and their place in Western society.