Reviews
The
BIPOLAR
DOCTOR
R.T. Kumar, MSc, MD
... In his debut book, a physician chronicles his chaotic life as he battles bipolar disorder.....
...Kumar details his history with an astonishing thoroughness ....Written with a straightforward clarity...
...He talks about loss: at one time, he was a respected doctor with a large practice, and then he lost his house, wealth, and license to practice, and his marriages failed. He endured shoddy treatment, a misdiagnosis, a bout with (multiple) cancer, and even ostracism. Two of his three suicide attempts landed him on life support...(due to his bipolar disease)
...Kumar details his history with an astonishing thoroughness...
...... A determined doctor’s memoir that strikingly evokes a harrowing world few are aware of....
- Kirkus Indie Reviews
In The Bipolar Doctor, R. T. Kumar tells the story of his struggle with mental illness, with bits of clinical and historical background woven in. His experiences include many common topics in mental illness: the wait for a diagnosis, balancing medications, outsider disbelief, relationship challenges, suicide attempts, and the long road to recovery.
For Kumar, recovery involved the additional challenge of regaining a revoked medical license. Because illness is the main focus of the story, Kumar wisely integrates other life events in only sparingly. Kumar’s military service, early career, and experience of racism within his profession are all included, adding depth to the narrative. Kumar’s unique perspective—as someone who has treated patients and who struggles with bipolar disorder—adds nuance to a prevalent issue. His personal story and reflections are at the forefront, but his perspective and understanding are deepened by his training as a doctor and the logical way he processes what he’s been through. The text reveals a complex understanding of life and illness.
Kumar’s thorough, honest approach makes him a trustworthy narrator. Though he was ill during many parts of the story he shares, his work suggests clear-sighted self-reflection. The text’s openness and vulnerability also add to the author’s credibility—the appendixes include his medical history and references to both accurate and libelous media information about him.
The Bipolar Doctor is an inside look at the medical treatment of mental illnesses, from the eyes of someone who is both a patient and medical practitioner.
- Clarion Reviews