Cirrus@Austlit

'Dr Martin Homer has a naturally sunny disposition. A steadfast and honourable man with supreme empathic interpersonal skills, he is much loved by all of his patients. Martin has only loved one woman – Sarah, his wife – and they have a cosy and respectful marriage.

'The death of Martin’s mother disrupts this happy scene and catapults Martin into a completely foreign state of existence. He comes face to face with the black dog of grief and depression, before ascending to a manic high that spirals out of control, eventually leading Martin to a place even he might not be able to come back from.

'In Two Minds will have you laughing hysterically on one page and reaching for the tissues on the next. Gordon Parker’s impressive career in psychiatry reveals itself through extremely rich descriptions of depression, bipolar and borderline personality disorders.' (Publication summary)

'Gordon Parker AO, one of Australia's foremost clinical psychiatrists, is known for having strong and provocative views. He's been described as 'charming, witty and erudite', sometimes 'intimidating and intolerant', and 'variously regarded with fear, loathing, admiration and respect'.

'In this autobiography, the founder of the Black Dog Institute and Scientia Professor of Psychiatry at the University of New South Wales recounts early formative experiences that eventually led to a career in psychiatry, and what he has, in turn, contributed to the profession over four decades.

'He also records his concerns about the current models for diagnosing and managing mood disorders, and their weighting to often politically driven clinical guidelines. He offers his views – informed by experience, research and respect for human resilience – on what is 'good psychiatry' and its rewards.

'This is a book relevant to all health practitioners – and to those curious about the fascinating world of a psychiatrist and psychiatry – by a man internationally recognised as a leading authority in the field.' (Publication summary)