Anatomy of an Epidemic
Magic Bullets, Psychiatric Drugs, and the Astonishing Rise of Mental Illness in America
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4.4 • 45 Ratings
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- $13.99
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- $13.99
Publisher Description
Updated with bonus material, including a new foreword and afterword with new research, this New York Times bestseller is essential reading for a time when mental health is constantly in the news.
In this astonishing and startling book, award-winning science and history writer Robert Whitaker investigates a medical mystery: Why has the number of disabled mentally ill in the United States tripled over the past two decades?
Interwoven with Whitaker’s groundbreaking analysis of the merits of psychiatric medications are the personal stories of children and adults swept up in this epidemic. As Anatomy of an Epidemic reveals, other societies have begun to alter their use of psychiatric medications and are now reporting much improved outcomes . . . so why can’t such change happen here in the United States? Why have the results from these long-term studies—all of which point to the same startling conclusion—been kept from the public?
Our nation has been hit by an epidemic of disabling mental illness, and yet, as Anatomy of an Epidemic reveals, the medical blueprints for curbing that epidemic have already been drawn up.
Praise for Anatomy of an Epidemic
“The timing of Robert Whitaker’s Anatomy of an Epidemic, a comprehensive and highly readable history of psychiatry in the United States, couldn’t be better.”—Salon
“Anatomy of an Epidemic offers some answers, charting controversial ground with mystery-novel pacing.”—TIME
“Lucid, pointed and important, Anatomy of an Epidemic should be required reading for anyone considering extended use of psychiatric medicine. Whitaker is at the height of his powers.” —Greg Critser, author of Generation Rx
Customer Reviews
Anatomy of an Epidemic
This is a very important book; one for professionals, the millions of people on psychiatric medications (yes, that includes all of you that your GP has you taking Prozac, et. al.), & millions of parents who have been convinced their children are ADD, ADHD, bi-polar etc.
& require daily medication.
I was surprised, angered & grateful for every chapter, section & sentence. I could not put this book down. Whitaker's research & documentation of the conspiracy of drug company's, the APA, psychiatrists, & even NAMI to market these meds. is beyond reproach. And their motivation wasn't to simply "help people," (the drug trials never proved any of these meds. worked better then the placebos) rather it was to build a multi billion dollar dependency.
As detailed & scientific as this book is, it is an easy read! Once you start you will not be able to put it down
Great book
As a psychologist I have seen people go on medications and do amazingly well but more often see people stay the same or get worse on medications. I fear that when it does not go well that the doctor will start adding medications, instead of seeing that the medications do now work. This is finally the book that I can give to my friends who are physicians and have a way to support what I have been seeing for years.
This is a wonderful piece of journalism and one that people should be required to read before starting medications for psychological issues. It would allow the client to be informed and would allow them to make a choice that is best for them with eyes wide open.
Most important book of the 21 century
Whitaker's honest and compelling investigation into the advent and history of psychiatric drugging is a must read for every person who risk falling victim to diagnosis and drugging- simply, everyone. No one is safe, we are all potential candidates for mislabeling, false positives and even abuse. Knowledge is power.