What Do Psych Survivors Want Instead of Psychiatric Coercion?
One does not simply forget the dehumanization of coercion in psychiatric practices. It is traumatic. How is adding another distressing experience to an individualās life therapeutic?
Winning Mad Liberation with a New Strategy: Solidarity
The mad movement must build connections with everyone challenging the roots of our cruel gangster capitalism imperialist system.
Groupthink in Mainstream and Critical Psychiatry
Critical psychiatry should continue to point out where mainstream psychiatry falls short, but mainstream psychiatry must correct itself.
Did the FDA Black Warning Cause Suicides? Reply to Soumerai and Lu
The idea that the FDA black box warning led to increased suicide is just as easily refuted by the data now as when it was first proposed.
Mad in Americaās 10 Most Popular Articles in 2025
A roundup of Mad in America's most read blogs and personal stories of 2025 as chosen by our readers.
In Defense of Instability in Mental Health Recovery
Limiting someoneās dreams based on a professional opinion of what is possible for people with serious mental illnesses is misguided at best.
The Missing History of Childrenās Mental Health in Oregon
It seems fitting that this history of mental health ends with Oregonās attempt to grapple with the needs of children and families.
The Gentrification of Social Work: Why a āPolitical Mental Health” Must be Public
It's hypocrisy to speak of equity and advocacy yet remain silent about the changes within that privilege affluent communities/professionals.
Addressing the Twofold Mental Health Crisis in New York City
The focus on crisis work displaces our attention and resources onto the symptomatic rather than the essential issues.Ā
Childhood Trauma and Recent Stressors Rarely Addressed; ECT Given Instead
Mental health services force electroshock, rarely asking about causes like childhood adversities and recent stressors; few receive therapy.
We Must Stop the ADHD Prescribing Cascade, Not Perpetuate It
There is no scientific evidence base for routine use of multiple psychiatric drugs, particularly for children.
Beyond Pleasure: A Developmental View of Addiction
Sometimes addiction has more to do with the ability to tolerate day-to-day life without the substance: self-regulation.
New NEJM Perspective on Antidepressants and Pregnancy Misses the Mark
The NEJM opinion piece ignores basic science, common sense, and decades of research findings in making the case for SSRIs in pregnancy.
Medication-Free Treatment in Norway Found Effective Over the Short Term
Those who received drug-tapering support did just as well or better than those receiving treatment as usual.
How Mental Health Ideology Perpetuates a War on Emotions
Despite unprecedented access to therapy, medication, and novel treatments, mental health is deteriorating.
We Need a Culture That Embraces Emotion Instead of Numbing It
Medicating depression and anxiety does nothing to address their root cause. SSRIs clear away the smoke without putting out the flame.
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT): Itās Not Just the Memory Loss
A new study shows ECT can cause disastrous health and cognitive problems, and chronic impairments across many day-to-day activities.
Women Likely to Be Retraumatised by ECT: Disturbing Findings from a New Survey
The widespread use of ECT on women needs to be understood from a trauma-informed perspective.
Phenomenological Therapy: Centering Subjectivity
Phenomenological therapy can create space for authentic expression, sometimes for the first time in a clientās life.
Commentary: Does First Year Treatment With an Antipsychotic Lead to Long-Term Harm?
There is no good evidence that antipsychotics provide a benefit to first-episode or early-episode psychotic patients.
Remembering Steven Morgan
Steven Morgan, who was well known for his activist efforts in challenging conventional psychiatry, which included writing for Mad in America, recently passed away,...
Obituary: Beckie Child, Oregon Peer Advocate
Beckie Child, MSW, PhD, passed away on October 25, 2025. I had the privilege of knowing her and working with her for over 25 years.
When the Family Is the Patient
The child is reacting to a dysfunctional family dynamic, often unconsciously asking for help for their family.
How Chatbots Deepen the Mental Health Crisis
All chatbot therapy delivers is a feedback loop where the simulated solution deepens the real-world problem.
False Profits, or, Thera-nos
On predatory private group practices and the Lower Ed enshittification of social work training.
