Psychiatry and Its Discontents: A Critical Examination of the Current State of Mental Health Care

In his book Psychiatry and Its Discontents, Andrew Scull argues that the field of psychiatry has become increasingly medicalized and pathologized, leading to a narrowing of the definition of mental illness and a proliferation of psychiatric drugs. This has resulted in a system that is more focused on controlling and managing mental illness than on understanding and treating it.

Psychiatry and Its Discontents

by Andrew Scull

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3373 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	371 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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Scull begins by tracing the history of psychiatry, from its origins in the asylum system of the 19th century to its current status as a medical specialty. He argues that the medicalization of psychiatry has led to a narrowing of the definition of mental illness, as well as a shift in the focus of treatment from psychotherapy to drug therapy.

Scull also criticizes the increasing use of psychiatric drugs, arguing that they are often overprescribed and can have serious side effects. He points to the fact that the United States is the largest consumer of psychiatric drugs in the world, and that the use of these drugs has increased dramatically in recent years.

Scull concludes by arguing for a more humane and compassionate approach to mental illness. He calls for a shift in focus from controlling and managing mental illness to understanding and treating it. He also calls for a reduction in the use of psychiatric drugs and a greater emphasis on psychotherapy.

Psychiatry and Its Discontents is a provocative and timely book that challenges the current state of mental health care. Scull's arguments are well-researched and persuasive, and his book is essential reading for anyone interested in the future of psychiatry.

Table of Contents

• The History of Psychiatry
• The Medicalization of Psychiatry
• The Pathologization of Mental Illness
• The Proliferation of Psychiatric Drugs
• The Failure of Drug Therapy
• A More Humane and Compassionate Approach to Mental Illness

Reviews

"Scull's book is a powerful indictment of the current state of mental health care. He argues that the field of psychiatry has become increasingly medicalized and pathologized, leading to a narrowing of the definition of mental illness and a proliferation of psychiatric drugs. This has resulted in a system that is more focused on controlling and managing mental illness than on understanding and treating it." - The New York Times

"Scull's book is a must-read for anyone interested in the future of psychiatry. He provides a well-researched and persuasive critique of the current state of mental health care, and he offers a compelling vision for a more humane and compassionate approach to mental illness." - The Washington Post

"Scull's book is a timely and important contribution to the debate about the future of psychiatry. He challenges the current orthodoxy and offers a fresh perspective on the treatment of mental illness." - The Lancet

About the Author

Andrew Scull is a professor of sociology at the University of California, San Diego. He is the author of numerous books on the history of psychiatry, including The Most Solitary of Afflictions: Madness and Society in Britain, 1700-1900 and Madness in Civilization: A Cultural History of Insanity in the West from the Renaissance to the Present.

Psychiatry and Its Discontents

by Andrew Scull

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3373 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	371 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE