Brilliant Madness: Living with Manic Depressive Illness

by Patty Duke, Gloria Hochman (Contributor)

In her revealing bestseller Call Me Anna, Patty Duke shared her long-kept the talented, Oscar-winning actress who won our hearts on The Patty Duke Show was suffering from a serious-but-treatable-mental illness called manic depression. For nearly twenty years, until she was correctly diagnosed at age thirty-five, she careened between periods of extreme euphoria and debilitating depression, prone to delusions and panic attacks, temper tantrums, spending sprees, and suicide attempts. Now in A Brilliant Madness Patty Duke joins with medical reporter Gloria Hochman to shed light on this powerful, paradoxical, and destructive illness. From what it's like to live with manic-depressive disorder to the latest findings on its most effective treatments, this compassionate and eloquent book provides profound insight into the challenge of mental illness. And though Patty's story, which ends in a newfound happiness with her cherished family, it offers hope for all those who suffer from mood disorders and for the family, friends, and physicians who love and care for them.

Genres: Nonfiction, Psychology, Mental Health, Memoir, Biography, Mental Illness, Biography Memoir

368 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1992

About the author

Anna Marie "Patty" Duke was an American actress of stage, film, and television. First becoming famous as a child star, winning an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress at age 16 for the role of Helen Keller in The Miracle Worker, and later starring in her self-titled sitcom, The Patty Duke Show for three years. She progressed to more adult roles such as Neely O'Hara in the 1967 film Valley of the Dolls . Duke was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1982; afterwards she then devoted much of her time to advocating and educating the public on mental health issues. She was later elected president of the Screen Actors Guild from 1985 to 1988.Duke died on the morning of March 29, 2016, at the age of 69, in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, of sepsis from a ruptured intestine.

Reviews

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a brutally honest book, and I appreciate that. Well-written, informative, and it took me into her life -- although it was an actor's life, it expressed the pains and joys of living with bipolar.

An excellent read.

[Caitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Patty Duke's sequel to her first memoir, "Call me Anna" is very brave. I haven't read her first one but "A Brilliant Madness" is a great book for those who are looking to understand Bi-polar disorder, also called "Manic-Depression." Patty Duke describes her tumultuous childhood and early adulthood, her manias that bordered on the psychotic, and her depressions that led her to attempt suicide countless times. What is brave to me about this book is its confessional tone. She admits how she tormented her husbands and her children, and how much she loves them and feels blessed that they seem to have forgiven her and moved on with their lives. She recognizes that her behavior has damaged some relationships irrevocably, but she also acknowledges that when she accepted her diagnoses and got help it changed her life. She gently pushes drugs (particularly Lithium, this book was written 20 years ago so it lacks modern day scientific development) on those who suffer, sharing her experience of recovery and using her improved, happy life as an example of why drugs and therapy are necessary for those with a chemical imbalance. She also acknowledges that not everyone is as lucky as her and are helped with treatment, but most Bi-polar people are helped to some degree or another. It seems like Duke's message is to not be ashamed of having a mental disorder, but to do something about it. To seek help so you can live a healthy life too, after all, we only have one that we know about for sure.
The parallel story in this book is by Gloria Hochman, an advocate for mental illness and she painstakingly describes the symptoms of all the different types of Bi-polar, of all the available treatments in 1992, when the book was published, of anecdotes that correspond with Patty Duke's experiences, how the disease is hereditary and the not yet successful search for the Bi-polar gene(s). This scientific aspect to Duke's memoir gives a solid foundation to what Duke is talking about and those who are mentally ill or live with and/or love a mentally ill person will know the truth of Patty Duke's and Gloria Hochman's words.

[Doris A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having laughed my way through Carrie Fisher's battles with manic depression (and other issues), I decided to stay on the mentally ill celebrity roll with a book by another figure embedded in the memories of those of us of a certain age: Patty Duke. This book interleafs the actress's own story with medical explanations of bipolar by a medical writer. Although the material is somewhat dated (the book was written in the late '80s when lithium was still the only real medication choice for manic depression), Patty Duke's story is gripping, and the medical material is illuminating. What struck me most about the book was the absolute authenticity of Duke's writing. She seems to write effortlessly (Call Me Anna, which became a TV movie, was also hers); the effect is of a candid chat with an intimate friend. Of most interest to those with a loved one with manic depression, an interest in Patty Duke, or curiosity about the co-occurrence of creativity and mental illness, the book is a dramatic tour of the troubled mind.

[Dawn Wells · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading her first book I had to read this one. I found it to be just as well written as the first and enjoyed it very much

[Jessi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though this book is a bit older and thus some of the information about bipolar a tad bit dated, it does not take away from the value and helpfulness of this book. Patty Duke, whose real name is Anna, describes her life prior to her diagnosis as manic depressive and how she resolved things after being diagnosed. She led a pretty extreme life with very severe highs and lows before being diagnosed at age 35. I found a lot of inspiration in her story. Each chapter alternates between Anna's story and an information chapter.

[Juliana · Rating 3 out of 5]

A memoir of Patty Duke's struggle with manic depression, interspersed with information about the illness in alternating chapters.

I didn't care much for the format, since by the time I read this work I already knew most of this information. Also, Duke's narrative is perhaps compelling, but not engaging in the way, say, Dr. Kay Jamison's An Unquiet Mind challenges and evokes empathy. Simpler and perhaps more accessible than Jamison, but disappointing in comparison.

[darrienmichael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Duke is open and brutally honest in her account of her illness. I only gave it 3 stars because I don't like books written by actors, they are not writers and it usually ends up being overly dramatized. I would still recommend the book.

[Patsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book! Patty Duke is also a brilliant actress, and I think, personally, her illness is an asset to her acting!

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was good. Nothing special. The stories of her childhood were intriguing at first and quickly became repetitive. The chapters alternate between Patty Duke telling her stories, and medical information about manic depression written by Gloria Hochman. The book is a couple decades old now, so the information is pretty outdated, when lithium was basically the only option. Those chapters were alright at first, but halfway through the book I felt like they just dragged on too long, so I skipped them. Not that Patty Duke had it easy, her life was very difficult and rocky at times because of her illness, she hurt herself and the people who loved her - but she responds pretty much immediately once diagnosed and treated with lithium. Which is great for her, but doesn't make for the most interesting story. Though I know that isn't what this is about. It's about her life and the way it happened truthfully, whether it's exciting for other people to read or not. She seems to have done a lot to try and help other people dealing with this illness and she definitely did what she could to raise awareness about it, at a time when she was probably one of the few. I can't fault her for this not being groundbreaking in 2011, so taking that into consideration, it was a pretty good book.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book years ago when it first came out. I just finished reading it again.I liked the unique way it was written. Patty Duke and Gloria Hochman a medical reporter took turns in chapters discussing Manic Depression. Gloria writes chapters explaining manic depression, the medicines that could be used to help. She uses many individual cases from those who have the illness. I liked the personal cases that was shared. The other chapter were from Patty Duke herself I was very impressed with her no holds honesty writing about her own experience over the years with manic depression. she was diagnosed in 1982 and writes about all those years before she was diagnosed, her outbursts, temper tantrums, manic behavior and how it affected her family. along with the depression side where she locked herself away and her many suicide attempts. she also writes about being diagnosed and the little beige pill called lithium that saved her life. I think this was a well written book. by both the authors. I know that for years Patty Duke has traveled the USA talking about her experiences with mental illness. So sad to read she died over a month ago. I wanted to re- read this impressive book. i would give this a 4.5.

[The Cute Little Brown-haired girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you think you have bipolar, or think you know someone who does, or you want someone to be convinced they have it...you MUST read this. It is "real" and doesn't sugar coat the realities of this horrible, yet totally treatable disorder. Patty Duke writes this with absolute conviction and with the purity of the truth, not matter how difficult it is to read about, she makes no apologies for her life and it is all right here. Just read it. You will gain tremendous respect for these brave souls that face this disorder every day. They are to be saluted for going through a personal hell that nobody else but them really understands.

[The Cute Little Brown-haired girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I put this under discovery self help because it is about Patty Duke's bipolar disorder and she writes of her experience since being Helen in The Miracle Worker all the way up to her diagnosis. It is a great read, but also clues you into the signs and symptoms of this horrible mind-stealing disease that too many people needlessly suffer from without help or medication because of their own shame and embarassment to get help.

[Kari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exceptional book on bipolar disorder, combining the author's struggle--including definitions, types, treatment modalities and encouragement. This was different, from other books on topic, as her media celebrity generated familiarity and intimacy for the reader. Greater understanding gained and highly recommended!

[Donna Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was fascinating to me. I grew up watching this actress as a child. There is bipolar disorder in my family, and reading about her life in its death grip before she was introduced to lithium made me feel that my family had gotten off very easily indeed. Written with warmth and humor, this is fascinating even if no form of mental illness has touched anyone close to you.

[Jonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was eye-opening to me and I learned so much about manic-depression. Not that Duke is an expert, but she definitely opened my eyes to the struggles the mentally ill face - especially when they are famous and well-known and expected to act a certain way. Great reading - especially if you want to learn about manic-depression. I think everyone should read this book.

[Tricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patty Duke does an abosulety fabulous job describing what it's like to live with bipolar (manic depression) disorder. She does a great job balancing both what it's like to live with bipolar disorder and tellling the facts of the illness and treatment options. It's worth reading, for sure.

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got very tired of the switch from Patty's story and the psychologist's findings. I could not finish this book because I got very bored with it. I love reading about Bipolar Disorder, but this book made me feel strange and panicky. Didn't love it.

[Terry Palardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very well written and moving story of Patty Duke's journey through BiPolar Disorder. She explains her changes with honesty and sincerity, and without hyperbole. It is a must read for anyone who loves a person with bipolar symptoms.

[Deborah aka Reading Mom · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this many years ago as an introduction to the world of bi-polar disorder. It is still a good place to start for those who wish to be instructed about the condition from the viewpoint of one who lives with it.

[Amber Giffen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting book! I liked how it alternated between a personal narrative by patty duke and information about manic depression by Gloria Hochman. I learned a lot about this illness and I can totally relate to Patty's struggles with this disease!

[Wanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being bipolar myself, this book really hit home for me!

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book -- I read this last year, and it's worth reading again.

[Sharon Porter-Moxley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marvelous. Patty Duke is a brave woman. She has opened a door on bi-polar illness. Everyone should read.

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was good.

[Mitzi Rene · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant madness, a brilliant book on the experience of that " madness". A classic must read about experiencing bipolar disease, including historical perspective from before it became a diagnosis, which was for decades diagnosed as depression. If you have had or know someone with BPD (or not), a should read. Promotes understanding, and attempts to combat the stigma of "mental illness"; which should have an -ism, i.e. I know there is more prejudice, misunderstanding, media alternative truths, and other characteristics everyone tends to mental I'll people that have no truth, value, and promoting the outlandish stigma that still exists after centuries of exactly what mental illness is. Like other medical diseases/disorders, it is based in physiology, not religion, or the devil's intrusion and other ignorant meanderings: the truth is, it is a neurological disorder (brain chemistry) with behavioral side effects. Period. No influence on intelligence, social or thought processing abilities. I have found that everything I do or say is filtered through my diagnosis...people don't listen to what you have to say, or your actions; all are passed off as "crazy". Truth is, I have several college (straight A's) degrees, had worked at the same company for over 20 years, with excellent evaluations, including a pension. I have learned skills so that medication is no longer necessary.
REMEMBER THIS: I AM NOT bipolar; I HAVE bipolar disorder. Bipolar does not define me; I have hundreds of characteristics and experiences, bipolar is not even close to the top of that list. Thank you for listening. Appreciators.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Patty Duke courageously decided to write about a taboo subject in this autobiography about mental illness in a time when people particularly Celebrities had an image to uphold. This book was written in 1992. She paved the way for other celebrities, doctors and prominent figures to come forward with their own struggles with mental illness and addiction issues.

She describes in such intricate detail of how her journey of the incredible highs helped her career, marriage, motherhood and relationships while at the same time how her debilitating depression brought her to utter despair.

She was one of the pioneer celebrities to acknowledge she had a problem with alcohol and severe mood swings that made her a colorful and dedicated member of Hollywood. She goes from denial of her illness to acceptance and recovery while educating the world that it is a brain disorder not a character flaw.

[Amy Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

A must read for anyone who fails to understand the complexities of bipolar disorder and for those who have confused the disorder with other treatable illnesses. Patty Duke takes a brave step forward by divulging her personal accounts in dealing with this illness. Although, her personally written chapters are less than polished, the way in which she delivers her message is both raw and honest. The book is formatted in alternating chapters between Patty Duke's personal struggles with bipolar disorder and chapters written by award winning writer Gloria Hochman who carefully synthesizes what was at the time the most up-to-date research on the disorder. Certainly worth the read for anyone seeking to understand and demystify the nature of mental illness.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

"This is an excellent memoir written by Patty Duke describing her life and discovering the reason for her years of unexplained moods swings. Finally diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, the book explains her journey through her career coping with the illness and how recovery was slow but successful."

"When Patty's book came out in the 1990's, I was one of those who never heard of Bipolar Disorder, which is possibly why she took so long to be diagnosed?"

[Regina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read Patty's first book "Call Me Anna" which was a exploration and opinions on her life. This book delves deeper into her diagnosis and treatment for bipolar disorder. The beginning and end were the best parts of the book (more thought out, more on Patty's personal experience). The middle was filler. In addition, diagnosis and treatment of bipolar disorder has changed dramatically since this was written (1992) . Book is more of a companion to first than it would be a medical resource text.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I decided to read this book after starting it for a psychiatric mental health nursing class and switching to another topic. It alternates between Patty Duke and a medical reporter talking about the impact bipolar disorder has on people. It was very eye-opening for me to see what some people have to suffer through! It makes you look at life and the everyday routine in a different light.