Whispers: The Voices of Paranoia
| Company type | Book |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | 1994 |
| Founder | Ronald K. Siegel |
| Products | Non-fiction book on paranoia and phobic disorders |
Whispers: The Voices of Paranoia is a 1994 work by Ronald K. Siegel that delves into the depths of paranoia and phobic disorders.
Summary
This book explores detailed case studies of people whose ordinary anxieties, such as dental fear, have intensified into severe paranoia. Siegel works intimately with these individuals to trace the roots of their psychological struggles.
Interview with Hitler's Brain
Siegel investigates a legend suggesting that University of California, Los Angeles possesses Adolf Hitler's brain, using this narrative to exemplify Hitler’s notorious paranoia. Hitler was convinced of an extensive Jewish conspiracy targeting both Germany and humanity at large. To deepen his analysis, Siegel interacts with a computer-generated simulation of Hitler created by a UCLA graduate student.
Dr. Tolman's Flying Influence Machine
Eddie Tolman, an intelligent yet paranoid man, is convinced that a satellite named POSSE is manipulating him through visual disturbances and clicking sounds that disrupt his sleep. According to Tolman’s wife, these symptoms are linked to his obsession with the movie El Topo and nocturnal teeth grinding. The paranoia arises from the mental replaying of the film coupled with physical noises caused by grinding, though Tolman struggles to accept this explanation.
Whispers
Miss Lillian, an elderly woman, experiences a common dental fear that evolves into paranoia; she believes her dentist implanted devices in her teeth responsible for "whispering." To avoid being overheard, she keeps birds at home. Siegel identifies her hearing impairment and provides a hearing aid. During a dental procedure under nitrous oxide sedation, the whispering sensations vanish, revealing that her paranoia was exacerbated by hearing loss combined with the effects of sedation. This discovery enables Miss Lillian to return to normal functioning.
The book consists of thirteen chapters, each portraying different patients’ encounters with paranoia under Siegel’s care.
Allusions
Throughout the text, Siegel weaves in references such as those to composer Vivaldi, reflecting the emotional landscapes of both his patients and himself during treatment.
Writing style
The story unfolds through Siegel’s viewpoint, documenting his personal and clinical experiences dealing with paranoia.
Reception
- "A masterfully woven narrative...both terrifying and utterly captivating. Whispers is difficult to set aside." – Betty Ann Kevles, Los Angeles Times
- "Siegel writes with skill, immersing readers into each subject’s paranoid reality...Reading Whispers is akin to embarking on an exotic and perilous journey." – David Neubauer, The Washington Post
The overall response to the book was favorable, commending it as informative and compelling—a genuine page-turner.
Whispers and narrative medicine
Siegel demonstrates principles of narrative medicine by prioritizing an understanding of patients’ backgrounds, histories, and relationships prior to diagnosis. His methodology underscores that successful treatment depends on this comprehensive insight.
Bibliography
- http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/136993.WHISPERS - Reader reviews on Whispers