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Paula J. Caplan
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They Say You're Crazy: How The World's Most Powerful Psychiatrists Decide Who's Normal Paperback – March 4, 1996

by Paula J. Caplan (Author)
4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 27 ratings
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The inside story of the process by which the mental-health elite judge us all





How are decisions made about who is normal? As a former consultant to those who construct the "bible of the mental-health professions," the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), Paula Caplan offers and insider's look at the process by which decisions about abnormality are made. Cutting through the professional psycho-babble, Caplan clearly assesses the astonishing extent to which scientific methods and evidence are disregarded as the handbook is developed. A must read for consumers and practitioners of the mental-health establishment, which through its creation of potentially damaging interpretations and labels, has the power to alter our lives in devastating ways.
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  1. Print length
    382 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    March 4, 1996
  4. Dimensions
    5.5 x 0.96 x 8.5 inches
  5. ISBN-10
    0201488329
  6. ISBN-13
    978-0201488326
  7. Lexile measure
    1510L
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

From Canadian Book ReviewAnnual cbraonline.com/member/search/index.php?action=details&page=0&sort_col=TITLE&sort_dir=ASC&book_id=13481

There is a kind of free-floatingconsensus in our society that those members of the mental-health elite who determinewho is psychologically abnormal are guided by a combination of empiricalevidence and concern for the well-being of the patient. Paula Caplan, aclinical/research psychologist and former consultant to the creators of theinfluential American Psychiatric Association's (APA) Diagnostic and StatisticalManual of Mental Disorders (DSM), examines in this well-documented, closelyargued, and deeply disturbing book "the shockingly unscientific basis ofthe DSM, the politics and arbitrariness involved in deciding who is normal, andthe motives of the major players." Specifically, the book focuses on theopposition of Caplan and others to the proposed addition to the DSM-IV ofSelf-Defeating Personality Disorder (SDPD) (whereby female victims of abuse arepathologized for responding to abuse in self-denying, self-effacing ways--waysthat are, in fact, socially prescribed) and to the retention of Premenstrual
Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), also known as Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS).

In painstaking detail, Caplan and others conveyed to APA officials the scientificinvalidity of these categories as well as their harmful consequences, only tobe met with evasiveness, outright dishonesty, and megadoses of obfuscation anddoublethink. Ultimately, adverse publicity forced the withdrawal of SDPD fromthe DSM-IV; PMDD, however, was not only retained but upgraded in status. Notsurprisingly, the largely conservative white male APA elite rejected Caplan'sproposed inclusion of Delusional Dominating Personality Disorder (DDPD), alsoknown as "Macho Personality Disorder," even though empirical supportfor it far exceeds that for PMDD. The baffling, perverse decision-making demonstratedby the APA begins to make ugly sense as Caplan explores the ties that bind bigbusiness and organized psychiatry: in particular, the unholy alliance betweendrug companies and the APA.

Besides exposing the shifting sands upon which the DSM rests, this book emphasizesthe cultural biases that underscore conceptions of "normality," aswell as the societal problems that are glossed over by convenient, quick-fixpathologizing labels. The powerful vested interests Caplan describes do not pointto an imminent reform of the status quo, but her level-headed, compassionate,and wholly persuasive wake-up call is an admirable start.

Review by Sarah Robertson, anassociate editor of the Canadian BookReview
Annual.

About the Author


Paula J. Caplan, Ph.D., chosen by the American Psychological Association as an "eminent woman psychologist," is the author of the bestselling The Myth of Women's Masochism and Don't Blame Mother, among other books. She is a clinical and research psychologist.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Da Capo Lifelong Books (March 4, 1996)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 382 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0201488329
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0201488326
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 1510L
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 14.4 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.96 x 8.5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 27 ratings

About the author

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Paula J. Caplan

Paula J. Caplan

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Paula J. Caplan is a clinical and research psychologist, winner of three top national awards for nonfiction, award winning playwright and filmmaker, advocate, activist, actor, and director. She is Associate in the Dubois Research Institute of the Hutchins Center at Harvard University and a past Fellow in the Women and Public Policy, Harvard Kennedy School. She is a frequent media commentator and invited speaker about many social justice issues.

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Top reviews from the United States

  • C. Beato
    5.0 out of 5 stars The Diagnostics and Statitiscal Manual reeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeally. Complicated.
    Reviewed in the United States on August 11, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    This is not the only book that questions the Diagnostics and Statistical Manual but it is well documented and rationalized. If you believe the DSM 1-5 is valid and reliable I have a bridge across the Arizona Desert I like to sell you given that you maybe gullible beyond believe. In fact they should through the word Statistics out of the title given that the book is not based on any valuable and useful statistic and science. The DSM is one of the a the biggest con and Hoax promoted on the human race.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Muddflower
    5.0 out of 5 stars Be a mental wellness consumer of services. Arm yourself with knowledge.
    Reviewed in the United States on September 10, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Every single consumer of mental wellness services or products must read this book!!! Dr. Caplan is a seemingly lone, pioneering, voice in a sea of mental health professionals, academics, system providers, and advocates.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • LeeAnne Valentine
    5.0 out of 5 stars Eye-Opening!!!
    Reviewed in the United States on February 14, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    This is a good book for psychology majors. My eyes grew wide the more I read.. the more I began to wish this book was taught in ALL Psychology classes. It's a must-read book!
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Harper West
    4.0 out of 5 stars Dated, but still informative
    Reviewed in the United States on February 26, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    With the DSM-5 due to be released, this book is, of course, not current. But the concepts, sadly, are still true: that the DSM is not based on sound science, but rather the politics of psychiatry, big pharma money and influence, and subjective decisions. Very interesting tales of the whimsical way decisions got made on past DSM committees. Confirmation that there has been a lot wrong with the DSM for decades.

    For more on the problems with the DSM and a solution, see my blogpost on the DSM: "Fear is Not a Mental Disorder[...]"
    "
    Harper West, MA
    Author of Pack Leader Psychology
    5 people found this helpful
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  • Mark O.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book and insightful
    Reviewed in the United States on April 4, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    A great book on the deception of psychology and mental illness
    One person found this helpful
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  • Mrs. Kemberlie Hornbeak
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in the United States on October 3, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Great book. Great price. Item as described.
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  • brenda worthington
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in the United States on January 7, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    great
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  • RosaLee
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very insightful!!
    Reviewed in the United States on July 27, 2019
    This book is incredibly eye opening as to what actually goes on behind the scenes and how psychiatric diagnoses are totally conjured up by a few privileged (and mostly white men). Dr. Caplan includes great detail as to how she protested and fought against the absurdity of the concepts and construction of the many damaging labels of the DSM ‘bible’. She leaves no stone unturned in her detailed accounting. Before any person, or someone you care about, ever steps into the office of a mental health professional you should read this book first!

    Much respect and appreciation to Dr. Caplan for her in-depth knowledge, integrity and courage in standing up and speaking out against such sheer stupidity and dishonesty and for trying to protect those who are or will be victimized by psychiatry and their many bogus labels.
    One person found this helpful
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