A First-Rate Madness

A First-Rate Madness (2011) argues that some of the world’s most effective leaders were able to achieve such heights because of their experiences with mental illness. Conversely, the book makes the argument that while mentally healthy leaders may succeed when the world is running smoothly, their mental health actually inhibits their leadership abilities in times of upheaval.

• Psychology students
• Politics students
• History students

Nassir Ghaemi is a psychiatrist and professor of psychiatry at Tufts Medical Center. He also lectures on psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. His research specialisms include depression and bipolar disorder. He has published over 200 scientific articles and is a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatry Association.