Against Medical Advice
| Industry | Publishing |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | Books |
Against Medical Advice: A True Story is a non-fiction work co-authored by James Patterson and Hal Friedman that achieved status as a New York Times Best Seller. Released on October 20, 2008, through Little, Brown and Company, the book chronicles the medical journey and hardships experienced by Cory Friedman and his family.
Synopsis
The narrative begins with seventeen-year-old Cory admitted to Dressler Psychiatric Hospital due to alcohol dependency, where he describes his extensive medication regimen and their limited effectiveness. Cory expresses feelings of being misunderstood and frustrated by others labeling him as mentally ill. The story recounts his early development of involuntary tics and vocal outbursts starting at age five. Throughout his life, he underwent multiple treatments that frequently exacerbated his feelings of powerlessness. Diagnosed with OCD, Tourette syndrome, and an anxiety disorder, Cory endured social stigma and daily obstacles, further complicated by insufficient medical support.
Med Head
In 2010, Cory Friedman collaborated again with Patterson to publish a young adult version of Against Medical Advice titled Med Head: My Knock-Down Drag-Out Drugged-Up Battle with My Brain. Released on April 1, 2010, the adaptation received favorable critiques from outlets including TeenReads and Kirkus Reviews, with the latter describing it as an ideal read for those drawn to intense personal memoirs.
Reception
The publication was commended by Diário Digital as "an emotionally powerful account of bravery, resolve, and the ultimate victory of a family confronting an urgent crisis". Similarly, the Carlsbad Current-Argus recognized the book as a notable achievement.