num_pages: 304
description: A groundbreaking look at the connection between germs and mental illness and how we can protect ourselves. Is it possible to catch autism or OCD the same way we catch the flu? Can a child's contact with cat litter lead to schizophrenia? In her eye-opening new book National Book Critics Circle Award-winning author Harriet Washington reveals that we can in fact catch mental illness. In INFECTIOUS MADNESS Washington presents the new germ theory which posits not only that many instances of Alzheimer's OCD and schizophrenia are caused by viruses prions and bacteria but also that with antibiotics vaccinations and other strategies these cases can be easily prevented or treated. Packed with cutting-edge research and tantalizing mysteries INFECTIOUS MADNESS is rich in science characters and practical advice on how to protect yourself and your children from exposure to infectious threats that could sabotage your mental and physical health.
language: English
title: Infectious Madness: The Surprising Science of How We "Catch" Mental Illness
publisher: Little, Brown and Company