In an era when more people are taking psychiatric drugs than ever before, Joanna Moncrieff's explosive book challenges the claims for their mythical powers. Drawing on extensive research, she demonstrates that psychiatric drugs do not 'treat' or 'cure' mental illness by acting on hypothesised chemical imbalances or other abnormalities in the brain. There is no evidence for any of these ideas. Moreover, any relief the drugs may offer from the distress and disturbance of a mental disorder can come at great cost to people's physical health and their ability to function in day-to-day life. And, once on these drugs, coming off them can be very difficult indeed. This book is a wake-up call to the potential damage we are doing to ourselves by relying on chemical cures for human distress. Its clear, concise explanations will enable people to make a fully informed decision about the benefits and harms of these drugs and whether and how to come off them if they so choose.
Tells how family and friends of people with complex mental health needs frequently have to battle for, and often with, mental health services, whilst they themselves can be stigmatised. This title is suitable for students in mental health disciplines, psychiatric service users, carers and indeed everyone with an interest in mental health.
A COMPREHENSIVE WAKE-UP CALL FOR PATIENTS AND PROFESSIONALS Antidepressed breaks down the growing issue of antidepressant use, harm and dependence—how we got to this point, what’s happening worldwide every single day, and most importantly, where we go from here. Providing information that both patients and mental health professionals desperately need, Antidepressed exposes the holes in mental health systems and highlights the desperate need for reform. Featuring compelling accounts from real people whose lives have been irrevocably harmed by prescription antidepressants, Antidepressed provides proof that there is no such thing as a magic pill—and that pretending otherwise risks the lives and well-being of those who need help the most.
‘This book belongs on the bookshelf of everyone with a personal or professional interest in mental health. Roberts addresses the subjects that are troubling professionals across the globe, providing a sound theoretical base on which a professional viewpoint can be formed. Complex concepts are presented in a simple way, enabling readers at all stages to grasp difficult and often radical ideas quickly and easily.’ - Tony Barlow, Birmingham City University, UK This dynamic book provides a critical overview of current issues in mental health practice. It offers concrete guidance on navigating and evaluating different approaches to mental health care, giving crucial space to approaches which put the service user at the heart of care provision and recovery. Tackling the complex and challenging, Understanding Mental Health: Guides students through the landscape of mental health care through detailed case studies that situate practice and bring theory to life Provides a thorough introduction to critical issues through sign-posted chapter aims, concept summaries and activities For mental health professionals, students undertaking a professional mental health qualification, and nursing students studying mental health.
Ask for a definition of primary care, and you are likely to hear as many answers as there are health care professionals in your survey. Primary Care fills this gap with a detailed definition already adopted by professional organizations and praised at recent conferences. This volume makes recommendations for improving primary care, building its organization, financing, infrastructure, and knowledge baseâ€"as well as developing a way of thinking and acting for primary care clinicians. Are there enough primary care doctors? Are they merely gatekeepers? Is the traditional relationship between patient and doctor outmoded? The committee draws conclusions about these and other controversies in a comprehensive and up-to-date discussion that covers: The scope of primary care. Its philosophical underpinnings. Its value to the patient and the community. Its impact on cost, access, and quality. This volume discusses the needs of special populations, the role of the capitation method of payment, and more. Recommendations are offered for achieving a more multidisciplinary education for primary care clinicians. Research priorities are identified. Primary Care provides a forward-thinking view of primary care as it should be practiced in the new integrated health care delivery systemsâ€"important to health care clinicians and those who train and employ them, policymakers at all levels, health care managers, payers, and interested individuals.
"When a child is struggling with an emotional or behavioral problem, parents face many difficult decisions. Is medication the right choice? What about side effects? How long will medication be needed? In this authoritative guide, leading child psychiatrists Drs. Timothy Wilens and Paul Hammerness explain the nuts and bolts of psychiatric medications--from how they work and potential risks to their impact on a child's emotions, school performance, personality, and health. Extensively revised to include the latest information about medications and their uses, the fourth edition is even more accessible, and includes pullouts, bulleted lists, and "take home points" highlighting critical facts. In addition to parents, this is an ideal reference for teachers and other school professionals"--
Bringing together treatment and referral advice from existing guidelines, this text aims to improve access to services and recognition of common mental health disorders in adults and provide advice on the principles that need to be adopted to develop appropriate referral and local care pathways.