Grow up?

What is behind the spiraling rates of ‘mental illness’ among the young? Several recent books take very different views on the issue.

Back on the couch

Writer and psychotherapist Adam Phillips is often hailed as one of the world’s great essayists. His new book – exploring the topic of giving up, among other things – is both erudite and slippery.

The culture of narcissism

Almost half a century ago, the American historian Christopher Lasch excoriated a range of social trends which contemporary writers are rediscovering today.

Doppelganger

In her latest book, “Doppelganger,” Naomi Klein investigates an online underworld of conspiracies and misinformation, showing how the rise of right wing paranoia has been fed by progressive disdain.

The pathologization of normality?

Concerns that normality is being medicalised by the inflation of psychiatric diagnosis criteria appear overblown – but some conditions do need scrutiny.

Mid-life crisis – Fact or fiction?

Studies show the great majority of people believe in the reality of the so-called “midlife crisis” and almost half of adults over 50 claim to have had one. But is it actually real?