What We Fear Most: A Psychiatrist’s Journey to the Heart of Madness / BBC Radio 4 Book of the Week

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Thoughtful, revealing, often haunting and always enlightening, if you liked Unnatural Causes by Dr Richard Shepherd , Do No Harm by Henry Marsh and This is Going to Hurt by Adam Kay this book is for you. For me, psychiatry was a vocation. For others, there is a pragmatism to the decision about which speciality to go into. We need to let people know how incredibly diverse psychiatry services are, from CAMHS to older age services, from psychoanalysis to cutting edge neurosciences. We need to be welcoming, inclusive and caring. We need to look after people in the profession, to stop burnout and focus on retention as much as recruitment.” A beautifully balanced and compassionately written memoir ... This is a fascinating account of a fascinating journey.' - Dr Richard Shepherd, bestselling author of Unnatural Causes

Dr Ben Cave takes us on a journey to the heart of this highly emotive environment, putting himself under the microscope as well as his patients. In the process, he allows us to share what they have taught each other, and how it has changed them. To share the psychological battle scars that come with a career on the frontline of our health service. To learn about the brilliant mental health nurses for whom physical injury and verbal abuse are a daily hazard. To learn about ourselves, and what we fear most. Dr Ben Cave approaches what is often a much misunderstood area of mental illness with sensitivity and pragmatism. His sense of humour and humanity shine through.' - Jo Brand Priory consultant Dr Humphrey Needham-Bennett’s autobiography about life in forensic psychiatry has been chosen by BBC Radio 4 as its Book of the Week. A beautifully written invitation to glimpse into Cave's often painful, but ultimately uplifting journey.' - Kerry Daynes, bestselling author of The Dark Side of the MindLooking at the cover art, I thought this book would have a much more serious tone than it did. Forensic psychiatry is a mysterious area of medicine at the best of times, so I was intrigued to learn about some real patient stories and how the system works to support them. That being said, I otherwise enjoyed this book and thought it was a powerful depiction of mental health and how and why it fails to flourish. There are lots of references to drug abuse, childhood trauma and addictions that seem to tie many of the offender stories closely together. I've read so many books by therapists, psychologists, sociologists, you name it. But I had never read one by a psychiatrist before. Still, there's plenty of mental illness in my family (they call it 'mental health' these days when they mean illness) so I thought it was about time. Impressive at every level. If mental illness is now being talked about, then this is the book to start the conversation. What happens when the brain breaks? Read Dr Cave to find out.' - Jeremy Vine, journalist and broadcaster the most mesmerising, haunting and seductive book I have read in years... I have no doubt it will take it's place atop the new wave of literary, medical professionals.' - Amol Rajan, journalist and media editor

Wow! What a book! I took my time to read (study) this book because I wanted to get into the heart of the message. I wanted to understand and view Mental Illness through the eyes of the psychiatrist and through the eyes of an everyday citizen. The stories here, expertly written by Dr. Ben Cave, are insightful and eye-opening. Not to talk of the free Medical, Psychiatry and Law classes included. LOL!I admit to being faintly hostile towards most psychiatrists. That's as a result of personal experience. Several long stories. A beautifully balanced and compassionately written memoir… This is a fascinating account of a fascinating journey’– Dr Richard Shepherd