The Society of Timid Souls by Polly Morland – review

Polly Morland's study of bravery is full of energy, curiosity and courage, writes Kate Kellaway

Strictly Bipolar by Darian Leader – review

Are we close to understanding bipolar disorder? Not on this evidence, writes Alexander Linklater

Sex-Pol: Essays, 1929-1934 by Wilhelm Reich – review

Can sexual satisfaction lead to revolution?Christopher Turner on genital utopia

A breakdown of nervous breakdowns

Dean Burnett: A nervous breakdown is a familiar concept, but many would struggle to explain what one actually is

This column will change your life: does choice always come at a price?

Adding the phrase, 'But don't feel obliged' to a request can be extraordinarily persuasive, Oliver Burkeman explains

Electrosensitivity: is technology killing us?

Is modern life making us ill? Yes, say those who suffer from electrosensitivity. Are they cranks, asks Nicholas Blincoe, or should we all be throwing away our mobile phones?

This column will change your life: life-choice evangelists

'Their real motivation, you suspect, isn't their certainty that marriage, or parenthood, would be best for you,' Oliver Burkeman says. 'It's that they worry that it's not best for them'

How psychology can beat obesity

Long-term success of gastric operations linked to change of lifestyle and behaviour

Legalising gay marriage may improve health and reduce healthcare costs

Qazi Rhaman: Research in the US suggests that allowing same-sex marriage improves the health of lesbian, gay and bisexual people

Mastermind: How to Think Like Sherlock Holmes by Maria Konnikova – review

Can Sherlock Holmes help us to become better thinkers? Sophie Scott isn't convinced