Skeptical Professional’s Guide to Psychiatry

<p>This text critically examines the shortcomings of psychiatry; the flawed development of the diagnostic system including the DSM-5; and the failure to advance the effectiveness of antipsychotics and antidepressants. </p><p>Starting with an overview of the evolution of psychiatry Dean explores the creation use and misuse of medications a process largely driven by drug companies. Other chapters describe the benefits and risks of medications the problems associated with rational prescribing and the embrace of so-called novel therapies including hallucinogenic drugs and opioids. Chapters end with a set of clinical notes that provide specific recommendations to clinicians families patients and other providers emphasizing the risks and benefits of treatment with medications but also stressing alternative approaches.</p><p>This book will challenge clinicians to think critically about the DSM-5 and the current systems of diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses in the hopes of ultimately improving the lives of people with mental illnesses.</p>