This books offers a new psychosocial explanation based on the theory of causal attribution. This theory suggests that as a result of their socialisation, causal attributions are more helpful than others in coping with problems. The books argues that certain women acquire a “helpless” attributional style. This renders them less able to cope with adversity, more likely to turn to doctors when it befalls them, & more likely to be prescribed psychotropic drugs. When these do not work, helplessness may turn to hopelessness and self-poisoning.