Edges of the Mind
Treating Schizophrenia as Psychiatry Evolves
A powerful memoir from one of America's leading psychiatrists, chronicling four decades on the front lines of serious mental illness and the remarkable transformation of psychiatry.
Coming Fall 2026
“This book is a powerhouse of drama and science and compassion told through the eyes of a doctor on the frontlines of our nation’s struggle with serious mental illness.”
- Tim Shriver, Chairman of Special Olympics and Founder of UNITE
Meet David Pickar, MD
Yale-trained psychiatrist
40+ years in psychiatry
Former research leader at NIMH
400+ scientific publications
Adjunct Professor, Johns Hopkins
Distinguished Life Fellow, APA
One of America's foremost experts on schizophrenia and psychiatric neuroscience, Dr. Pickar has dedicated his career to understanding and treating serious mental illness.
Understanding Mental Illness
Throughout my medical career I have studied mental illness—as a researcher and as a clinician. Schizophrenia alone is a disease that affects 1% of the population of our world, making it a common illness. Unfortunately, violence has become the tragic touchstone that draws the public's attention to serious mental illness, although the majority of individuals with serious mental illness are not violent. Our elected officials and we as citizens of the United States and of the world, owe it for the betterment of our society and to the individuals and families who suffer from these illnesses to better understand them. Only then can we offer, if not a cure, at least the humanistic support that every individual deserves.
- David Pickar, MD