Kay Redfield Jamison

Kay Redfield Jamison, 2017

File:Bookbits - 2009-12-01 Kay Redfield Jamison-Nothing Was the Same.vorb.oga Kay Redfield Jamison is an American clinical psychologist and writer, whose work has centered on bipolar disorder, which she has had since her early adulthood. She is the Dalio Family Professor in Mood Disorders and Professor of Psychiatry at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and is also an honorary Professor of English at the University of St Andrews in Scotland.

Jamison's work has been groundbreaking in its personal approach to the understanding and treatment of bipolar disorder. She is best known for her unique blend of clinical research and personal experience, which is vividly expressed in her bestselling memoir, An Unquiet Mind: A Memoir of Moods and Madness. In this book, she details her own struggles with bipolar disorder, offering a rare insight into the personal impact of the illness.

Early Life and Education

Kay Redfield Jamison was born on June 22, 1946, in a military facility at Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania. She grew up in a family with a history of mood disorders, which would later influence her professional and personal interests. Jamison pursued her undergraduate degree at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where she majored in psychology. She continued her studies at UCLA, earning both her M.A. and Ph.D. in clinical psychology.

Career

After completing her education, Jamison joined the faculty at the University of California, Los Angeles, where she began her research into mood disorders, particularly bipolar disorder. Her academic work has significantly contributed to the understanding of the genetic base of bipolar disorder and the use of lithium for its treatment.

In 1989, Jamison took a position at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, where she has since been a leading figure in the Department of Psychiatry. Her research and clinical work have focused on the psychological aspects of bipolar disorder and suicide prevention, making substantial contributions to both fields.

Publications

Jamison has authored several influential books on mood disorders, including An Unquiet Mind: A Memoir of Moods and Madness, which has made a profound impact on how bipolar disorder is perceived by the public and the medical community. Her other notable works include Night Falls Fast: Understanding Suicide, exploring the psychological aspects of suicide, and Touched with Fire: Manic-Depressive Illness and the Artistic Temperament, where she examines the relationship between bipolar disorder and creativity.

Personal Life

Jamison's personal experiences with bipolar disorder have significantly shaped her professional path and her approach to treatment and understanding of the illness. She has been open about her struggles, using her experiences to advocate for better mental health understanding and treatment.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout her career, Jamison has received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to psychology and her efforts to increase awareness about mental health issues. Her accolades include the MacArthur Fellowship and election to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Legacy

Kay Redfield Jamison's work has left an indelible mark on the field of psychology, particularly in the understanding and treatment of bipolar disorder. Her unique combination of personal experience and clinical research has provided invaluable insights into the illness, helping to reduce stigma and improve the lives of those affected by mood disorders.