Customer Reviews

Punishing the Patient: How Psychiatrists Misunderstand and Mistreat Schizophrenia

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Dr. Richard Gosden, a researcher in mental health from Australia, has produced a refreshing, easy to read analysis of the diagnosis and treatment of Schizophrenia by modern day psychiatry. This book is must reading for clinicians, be they psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, or psychiatric nurses. Gosden presents a clear account of the development and problems associated with both the old neuroleptic medications and with the new "atypical" neuroleptics used to `treat' Schizophrenia. He presents a clear and easy to understand account of how these drugs lead cumulatively to both Tardive Dyskinesia and to Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome. Dr. Gosden debunks the genetic and biological-chemical theories of Schizophrenia and presents an excellent summary of the psychosocial theories. He also presents a remarkable expose of drug research in mental health. The last part of this work describes the problems psychiatry faces with informed consent. Dr. Gosden focuses upon the human rights issues and deprivation of liberty that are usually present as a result of the Schizophrenia diagnosis. The book is clear enough to not only be an asset to mental health professionals, but also is easily understood by the lay public. I highly recommend it.

I have long family history of schizophrenia , so this book really help me to understand the vast medical and non medical aspect of this mysterious decease , and how many phycatrist misunderstood the patient . Instead clinicians this book is of great help for families having schizophrenia patient in them , to understand the right and better treatment. It also helpfull for humsan right activists working towards more human liberty.