Study Finds Mixed Results for Peer-Supported Open Dialogue in the UK

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New qualitative study seeks to examine the implementation of the Open Dialogue approach in the UK.

The Violence-Inducing Effects of Psychiatric Medication

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On May 17, 2017, we learned that Chris Cornell of Soundgarden had reportedly committed suicide by hanging. Perhaps an ā€œaddict turned psychiatric patient,ā€ like so many, Chris Cornell seemed to have left the frying pan of substance abuse for the fire of psychiatric medication risks.
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Beyond the Buzzwords: What Does Trauma-Informed Care Truly Mean?

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Rethinking Psychiatry's March meeting was a rich discussion of what "trauma-informed care" means. It is an important idea, but can be an empty buzzword. Our goal was to have a deeper, more meaningful conversation on what this term really means. A diverse group from the local community attended and we had a really interesting, thoughtful discussion.

Measuring How Mental Health Professionals See Service Users’ Rights

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A new scale has been developed and validated to examine beliefs held by mental health professionals towards service users’ rights.
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Kicking Over a Straw Woman

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The Galvin family is the quintessential example of "genetic" schizophrenia. But their history of sexual abuse, violence, and trauma provides a clearer and simpler explanation.

Researchers Question ā€œGold Standardā€ Status of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

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Researchers argue for plurality and diversity among psychotherapy approaches and question the perceived superiority of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

UN Special Rapporteur Dainius PÅ«ras: Biomedical Approach “Still Has an Important Role to Play”

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In Pūras' new UN report, his use of biomedical language seems at odds with his message to move beyond the medicalization of distress.

Inside the Neuroscience Community: Peter Sterling Responds to Awais Aftab

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Dr. Aftab objects to my "tirade against psychiatric neuroscience." What Dr. Aftab does not do is address any of my substantive conclusions.

Hallucinations Reported as Side Effect of ADHD Medication

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Hallucinations and other psychotic symptoms have been reported after methylphenidate (Ritalin) treatment for ADHD.

How to Change Psychology to Address Racial Health Disparities

Psychology can only deal with racial health disparities effectively by incorporating critical race theory and intervening at a structural level.

Study Finds Excess Pills Prescribed for Post-Operative Pain

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Researchers find that patients are prescribed more pills than necessary after common surgical procedures

Transformations to Liberation

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My goal was to change my relationship with my voices from one that was adversarial to one in which I experienced them as allies. I was successful in that I now look at my voices, visions and other experiences as teachers, as gifts. It has not been an easy journey.

Children Are Vulnerable Cogs in the Psychiatric Machine

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My guardian decided to seek out ā€œprofessionalā€ advice about how to diminish my ā€œoutbursts.ā€ I was perceived as a problem that needed to be extinguished into a compliant state.
brain atrophy

Institutionalization: An Unacknowledged Cause of Psychiatric Outpatients’ Deterioration

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Psychiatry didn’tĀ reallyĀ stop institutionalizing people; it just found new ways to do it. Institutionalization, rather than drug toxicity, best explains patients’ downhill course and their worsening after coming off meds, as they have lost the skills needed to cope with life’s challenges due to disuse.

Kids Are Not the Problem: An Interview With Gretchen LeFever Watson

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In this interview, Brooke Siem, who is the author of a memoir on antidepressant withdrawal, May Cause Side Effects, interviews Gretchen LeFever Watson, PhD. Gretchen...

The Psychological Effects of the Zero-Tolerance Immigration Policy

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Journal releases a compilation of articles detailing how zero-tolerance policy may impact mental health.
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One Flew Over the Scientific Consensus’ Nest—The Story of Dr. Ophir and ADHD

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The backlash against Dr. Yaakov Ophir, licensed clinical psychologist and promising scholar, began when he reported his findings about the scientific validity of ADHD.
two boys hugging from back

Study Links Emotional Intelligence and School Achievement

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A new meta-analysis highlights a positive relationship between student emotional intelligence and academic achievement.

Rates of ADHD Diagnosis and Prescription of Stimulants Continue to Rise

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Two new articles find that rates of ADHD diagnosis and stimulant prescription continue to rise all over the world.

Antipsychotics Linked to Increased Breast Cancer Risk

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Long-term exposure to prolactin-increasing antipsychotics increases the odds of developing breast cancer.

Senate Quietly Rubber-Stamps Trump’s ā€œMental Health Czarā€

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This ā€œMental Health Czarā€ appointment is moving below the radar of many people. The US Senate should be asking some tough questions of Dr. McCance-Katz before deciding on her confirmation. Everyone should contact their Senators, now!

“Never Look on the Dark Side”: The Science of Positivity from Early Eugenics to...

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The "science" of happiness has always been inextricably linked to eugenics. Modern positive psychology, with its focus on genetics and willpower, is no different.
red tape

Struggling Parents, Burdened Social Services: What We Can Change

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Parents encounter many obstacles when trying to secure adequate educational, medical, psychological, and social supports for their children. These ā€œdense bureaucraciesā€ hurt not just families, but everyone.

The Many Battles of a Benzo Injury: Jean’s Story

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Jean was never warned about Librium's potential to cause physical dependence or the subsequent withdrawal effects that can result from its long-term use, nor was she counseled on an exit plan. So when she decided to taper off the drug, her withdrawal symptoms were so severe that her life and health quickly spiraled out of control.

Mad in America’s 10 Most Popular Articles in 2024

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A roundup of Mad in America's most read blogs and personal stories of 2024 as chosen by our readers.