Monthly Archives: April 2021
IIPDW Open Letter to NICE in the UK Regarding Antipsychotics Withdrawal
From IIPDW: The International Institute for Psychiatric Drug Withdrawal is requesting, for the second time, that NICE reverse its decision to exclude antipsychotic medications from its published withdrawal guidelines.
Philosophy & Madness: A Discussion with Wouter Kusters
Wouter underwent two experiences of what is commonly called "psychosis," which he explores and explains through the lenses of philosophy, spirituality, and mysticism.
Stimulant Prescribing Patterns for ADHD Not Impacted by Scientific Evidence
The article suggests that research challenging the evidence for ADHD drugs does not lead to changes without public campaigns.
Mental Health Survival Kit, Chapter 2: Is Psychiatry Evidence Based? (Part 6)
Schools and hospitals have become dangerous places for children and adolescents. They should stimulate children, not pacify them with speed on prescription.
Psychologists Propose “Sluggish Thought” Disorder
From STAT: Dr. Allen Frances, chair of the DSM-IV task force, called the proposed new mental health diagnosis “one of the dumbest" he's seen.
Lack of Guidance Available for Discontinuing Psychiatric Drugs
A new article discusses the lack of research dedicated to discontinuing psychiatric drugs and reviews existing strategies.
April 18: Staff, Former Residents of Soteria Vermont to Give Online Talk for Rethinking...
From Rethinking Psychiatry: Soteria House offers a complete paradigm shift to helping people experiencing what mainstream psychiatry calls "psychosis."
Three Ways Mental Illness Is Misdiagnosed in Children (humor)
From The Situational Therapist: A marriage and family therapist offers an irreverent take on what's really going on when a child gets 'diagnosed with a mental illness.'
Interview: Is Forced Treatment Deterring Youth from Seeking Mental Health Care?
Researcher Nev Jones, Ph.D., talks about her study of youth hospitalized against their will, and how their experiences affected their attitudes about mental health treatment and providers.
It’s A Mad World! Podcast: A Discussion with Robert Whitaker
From It's a Mad World!: In a new podcast on the politics of mental health and the mental health of politics, Irish psychiatrist Dr. Peadar O’Grady talks with Robert Whitaker about his books and work.
Mental Health at the End of the World
The abolition of individualism has got to be at the center of any “alternative” mental-health movement/theory/philosophy. Otherwise, it’s not “alternative.”
Bearing False Witness: Childhood Psychiatry, Trauma, and Memory
Through journaling, I realized that my lifelong confusion surrounding my memories of traumatic events was the direct result of the psychiatric labels and drugs I swallowed alongside years of parental abuse.
Mental Health Advocates Launch Campaign to Stop Continued Electroshock of 22-Year-Old MN Man
From Mindfreedom: Charles Helmer was force-shocked on March 26 and, unless the advocacy campaign is successful, he will be force-shocked on April 9 and every two weeks afterwards.
Tapering Antidepressants: Why Do Tens of Thousands Turn to Facebook Groups for Support?
From BJGP Life: Recent research concluded that over half of people coming off antidepressants will suffer withdrawal symptoms, of which one in two cases will be severe.
Questions About Forced ECT: A Letter for Minnesota Governor Tim Walz
If Minnesota is going to mandate ECT for people like Charles Helmer, there are at least 20 questions they need to consider before proceeding.
ECT: Dangerous on Either Side of the Pond
From Psychiatric Times: This controversial treatment must be suspended pending research to determine if there are any benefits that outweigh its proven adverse effects.
The Radicalization of a White Psychiatrist
From Psychiatric Services: Encouraged by my colleagues of color to engage in some uncomfortable self-reflection, I realized that the trajectory of my career was directly influenced by my racial biases.
Mental Health Survival Kit, Chapter 2: Is Psychiatry Evidence Based? (Part 5)
The psychiatrists have fought really hard to hide the terrible truth that depression pills double the risk of suicide, not only in children but also in adults.
Overprescribing Madness
Slick salesmanship, dishonest and incompetent medical practice (overlooked by timid regulators) and cultural, commercial, and political drivers now see Australians hooked on a cycle of over-diagnosis and over-medication.
Science Plays the Long Game. But People Have Mental Health Issues Now.
From The New York Times: When people are drowning, they’re less interested in the genetics of respiration than in a life preserver.
Psycho-Bizarreness Theory: A Rational, Anti-Psychiatric Theory of Madness
Contrary to the traditional view, Psycho-Bizarreness Theory sees madness as a rational coping mechanism which individuals adopt out of expediency.
Someone I Used to Know
When I sit in Billie’s office, I am still 13 years old, bitter anger saturating my body. I am 23, sobbing that I cannot do this anymore. I am 24, celebrating my first year of college. I am all of these people and none of these people.
