The Myth of the Chemical Cure A Critique of Psychiatric Drug Treatment [Paperback]

This book overturns the idea that psychiatric drugs work by correcting chemical imbalance and analyzes the professional, commercial and political vested interests that have shaped this view. It provides a comprehensive critique of research on drugs including antidepressants, antipsychotics and mood stabilizers.The Disease Centred Model of Drug Action in Psychiatry An Alternative Drug Centred Model of Drug Action Physical Treatments and the Disease Centred Model The Arrival of the New Drugs and the Influence of Interest Groups The Birth of the Idea of an 'Antipsychotic' Are Neuroleptics Effective and Specific? A Review of the Evidence What do Neuroleptics Really Do? A Drug Centred Approach The Construction of the 'Antidepressant' Is There Such a Thing as an Antidepressant? A Review of the Evidence What do Antidepressants Really Do? The Idea of Special Drugs for Manic Depression Evidence on the Action of Lithium and Mood Stabilisers Democratic Drug Treatment: Implications of the Drug Centred Model The Myth of the Chemical Cure

Shortlisted for the 2009 Mind Book of the Year

'A revolutionary book written with the calm assurance of someone who knows her subject matter and the people involved - extremely well. Essential reading for anyone interested in mental health.' - Dorothy Rowe, www.dorothyrowe.com.au

'This is a sober and thoughtful book. I found it very engaging and worth the effort to be better informed about a subject that affects many of our clients and impinges on our professional lives as therapists.' - Existential Analysis (Society for Existential Analysis)

'...Joanna Moncrieff, a practising psychiatrist and academic, has produced a devastating critique of the use of psychiatric drugs...This courageous book has the potential to revolutionise psychiatric practice and the care of people with many forms of mental distress. Many in the therapy professions will, I am sure, celebrate its message.' - Rachelľ