What We Fear Most

‘A beautifully balanced and compassionately written memoir … This is a fascinating account of a fascinating journey.’ - Dr Richard Shepherd, bestselling author of Unnatural Causes
‘Impressive at every level. If mental illness is now being talked about, then this is the book to start the conversation. What happens when the brain breaks? Read Dr Cave to find out.’ - Jeremy Vine, journalist and broadcaster
‘A beautifully written invitation to glimpse into Cave’s often painful, but ultimately uplifting journey.’ - Kerry Daynes, bestselling author of The Dark Side of the Mind
‘Dr Ben Cave approaches what is often a much misunderstood area of mental illness with sensitivity and pragmatism. His sense of humour and humanity shine through.’ - Jo Brand
‘Delightfully entertaining, witty, surprising, horrifying, and harrowing - all part of life in forensic mental health services’ - Professor Kamaldeep Bhui, Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Oxford
‘The expert knowledge contained in this book will help us all gain a crucial understanding of the complex issue of mental health.’ - Jonathan Agnew, cricket commentator and former professional cricketer
‘the most mesmerising, haunting and seductive book I have read in years… I have no doubt it will take it’s place atop the new wave of literary, medical professionals.’ - Amol Rajan, journalist and media editor
‘A compelling insight into the tragic and at times frightening truth about what happens behind locked doors.’ - Marjorie Wallace CBE, founder and CEO of SANE
‘A riveting, moving, frightening, highly personal, at times depressing and yet surprisingly humorous account of a life in forensic psychiatry.’ - Dr Phil Hammond, British physician, broadcaster, comedian and commentator
‘Cave has a compassionate, hopeful attitude towards his work, despite some incredibly sad experiences and challenging situations’ - Charlotte Runcie, Daily Telegraph

Dr Ben Cave is the pen name of a practising general and forensic psychiatrist, also a specialist in substance misuse, medico-legal expert and a member of the judiciary. Over a career spanning almost 35 years, he has worked as a prison psychiatrist, community psychiatrist and as a consultant in medium-, low-secure and general mental health units. He has dealt with the whole range of psychiatric conditions, from personality disorders and schizophrenia to addictions, and continues to make challenging judgment calls on when patients are no longer a risk to themselves or others and can be released back into the community. This is Dr Ben’s first book.

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