What We Fear Most

A Psychiatrist’s Journey to the Heart of Madness / BBC Radio 4 Book of the Week

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What We Fear Most

By: Dr Ben Cave

Narrated by: David Rintoul

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About this listen

* BBC RADIO 4 BOOK OF THE WEEK * LONGLISTED FOR THE CWA'S ALCS GOLD DAGGER FOR NON-FICTION AWARD *

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'Impressive at every level' - Jeremy Vine

'Poignant, funny, engrossing' - Jo Brand

'A sensitive and immersive voyage through the career of a forensic psychiatrist' - Kerry Daynes

'A beautifully balanced and compassionately written memoir... This is a fascinating account of a fascinating journey' - Dr Richard Shepherd

Meet Dr Ben Cave. For over thirty years he has worked in prisons and secure hospitals diagnosing and treating some of the most troubled men and women in society. A lifetime of care takes us from delusional disorders to schizophrenia, steroid abuse to drug dependency, personality disorders to paedophilia, and depression so severe a mother can kill her own baby.

These are the human stories behind the headlines. The reality of a life spent working with patients with the severest mental health disorders. The tragic and often frightening truth about what happens behind closed doors.

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.

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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.©2022 Ben Cave (P)2022 Seven Dials

Dr Ben CaveDavid RintoulSeven Dials

Medical

Murder

Professionals & Academics

Social Sciences

True Crime

Violence in Society

Health

Mental Health

Crime

Funny

Inspiring

Thought-Provoking

Witty

Medical Murder Professionals & Academics Social Sciences True Crime Violence in Society Health Mental Health Crime Funny Inspiring Thought-Provoking Witty

Critic reviews

"Poignant, funny, engrossing." (Jo Brand)

Most relevant

I wasn't sure if I would really enjoy this as I haven't read or listened to any other psychiatry themes books and if I'm honest, had never been much interested in the subject. I absolutely loved it!
The writing was brilliant and I enjoyed the format of someone clearing they're drawers on their last day and reminiscing but the icing on the cake was David Rintoul's narration. I have not a clue if he sounds like the author but the voice perfectly matched the words and he really brought the conversations to life.
A funny, touching, intriguing glimpse into psychiatry at a level most of us can only pray we never have to encounter.