A review by rosalind
Mad, Bad, and Sad: A History of Women and the Mind Doctors from 1800 to the Present, by Lisa Appignanesi

challenging informative slow-paced

3.0

This was a long and frustrating read. If you’re looking for an impartial history, don’t come here - though it may be subtle, the further you get into the book, the more you get the feeling the women being referred to have been saddled with a dispassionate champion…

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexism, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Ableism, Pedophilia, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Misogyny, Medical trauma, Physical abuse, Drug abuse, Child abuse, Mental illness, Medical content, Pregnancy, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Chronic illness

Moderate: Suicide attempt, Suicide, Religious bigotry, Racism, Physical abuse, Death, Addiction, Suicidal thoughts, Forced institutionalization, Alcohol, and Body horror

Minor: Rape, Confinement, Infertility, Eating disorder, Dementia, Classism, Abandonment, Self harm, Panic attacks/disorders, and Miscarriage