Anatomy Of An Epidemic: Magic Bullets, Psychiatric Drugs, And The Astonishing Rise Of Mental Illness In America (2010) - Plot & Excerpts
For many reasons, this was an important book to wade through. To say you like the book is really not the response that is relavent. Sobering, and depressing in it's case studies, it presents the history of psychiatric drugs and how their chemical alteration of mental function creates a state of dependence that prevents you ever recovering from what people think is a necessary lifetime dependence on them. I have to admit, the last section was on the recent history of these drugs given to children and I had to chose to pass that by. I read enough. Leora recommended this book as one that she was exposed to in her studies at the University if Chicago. I have to say, even though it is full on medical terms and chemical explanations, it was fairly easy to read for a non-science person. Recommended. This was actually a recommendation from a patient who gave a copy to me as a gift. I was skeptical but thought I should keep an open mind, and after reading the first section I can at least say I am intrigued.5/2: Even more interested as I keep reading. Well researched and might change the way I think about treating mental illness in my medical practice.12/27: Finally finished this, having read slowly because I kept it at my office to read in my little spare time. Although I believe that anything written by a journalist has to be taken with a grain of salt, I have to say that I found the scientific logic in this book sound, the topic well researched, and the implications concerning. I actually think this is going to affect my prescribing practices, making me more cautious about the use of psychotropic drugs, especially in those who could be treated without medications. This book is also a representation of the disaster of mental health care, which is poorly understood, underfunded, and stigmatized. I hope that we can change this over time.
What do You think about Anatomy Of An Epidemic: Magic Bullets, Psychiatric Drugs, And The Astonishing Rise Of Mental Illness In America (2010)?
I'm surprised to see so many people swallow these ideas whole. Take this book with a grain of salt.
—ZivaDavid
