Abstract
This excellent book is on a relatively neglected area: that of women and mental health. It is made up of 19 short, easy-to-read chapters that fall into two sections: the first on general issues; and the second on psychosocial determinants of mental health. The entire book is easy to read, enjoyable and a ‘must’ for mental health professionals.
The first section contains a very interesting historical perspective, an outstanding section on undertaking research with women and a balanced feminist perspective on women's health research. An informative chapter on culture and women's mental health focuses on Maori women. The following chapter on the mental health of Asian women in New Zealand is perhaps not as well integrated into the book as other chapters and reads as a separate paper.
In section two, an excellent chapter on women and social relatedness sets the scene for more clinically focused material such as on women in the carer's role, personality disorders, violence against women, mental health issues for lesbians, mood disorders in women, eating disorders, women and suicide and substance abuse. Pharmacological and psychological therapies and the impact of mental illness on women are covered at the end of the book. A wonderful personal account of recovery is an extremely stirring and sensitive way to end this book. The editor Sarah Romans and authors are to be congratulated on their marvellous work.