A comprehensive review of the 'mental health system'.
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This book is effectively a review of the mental health system as it operates in Britain today. Mr. Lynch begins by looking at the way the pharmaceutical industry tests (inadequately) its products and effectively controls research and the publication of research so as to protect its interests. It also profoundly and consistently influences mental health professionals especially doctors and nurses so that they consciously and unconsciously promote drugs which have not always been properly tested and whose efficacy does not match the claims. He also looks in some detail at the many side-effects of much medication particularly antidepressants, which are often downplayed by doctors.
Terry Lynch is a practising GP who is also a trained psychotherapist, and he goes on to look at each major category of mental illness in turn, (although he does not accept this term, believing that all such illnesses are understandable human reactions to life circumstances). Employing a large number of case histories he offers ideas about how such conditions come about and how they may be treated effectively by therapeutic approaches.
I have been a social worker for 25 years and have worked in the field of mental health for 9. I have never read such a sane and authoritative and helpful book about human distress and the mental health system. I would recommend it unreservedly to anyone who seriously wants to help people suffering from mental health problems.
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important read for all mental health professionals
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This book is a true eye opener to all those who take for granted the expertise of those entrusted with care of the so caled "mentally ill". It clearly and in simple jargon free language explains the thinking behind modern psychiatry that simply strives to diagnose a condition and perscribe a drug for that condition. Consideration for the individual person is lost in this scenario and little hope is offered other than an existance on medication. Dr. Lynch's book had a hugh impact on our personal lives and has given us great hope for our son whom the system had almost written off and who is at present decreasing medication under supervision but in line with the thinking as set out in this wonderful book and is making very good progress.
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Excellent read - lifting the cloak of secrecy
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Well done to Dr Terry Lynch on the recent publication of his excellent exploration into the confused world of mental health. This book explores the whole area of how the so-called experts are treating those who look for help. Dr Lynch is advancing the view that what we call depression is not a Mental Illness as commonly understood but a sane response to the external reality of the sufferer's life which is at present being inappropriately treated with drugs. In this book Dr Lynch certainly lifts the Cloak of Secrecy and begs questions to be addressed regarding treatment and care of those looking for help for depression. Sadly the old cure for all ills is a few Valium! Now I understand a little better why Ireland is experiencing a huge increase in suicide particularly among young men. Let us hope that our psychiatrists will take note of this book, which is an excellent insight into his experiance as a GP, in dealing with all those who come for help and relate their past experiances in the psychiatrist's chair! Well done Dr Lynch.
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This book may give hope to those who had almost given up
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Beyond Prozac is a very readable, thought-provoking & hard-hitting book. Terry Lynch, the author, a medical doctor with 18 years of experience, is convinced that doctors prescribe tranquilizers & anti-depressants far too easily. Doctors lead patients to believe that depression is due to a bio-chemical imbalance in the brain which can be righted by drugs. In fact, the shocking truth, as the book clearly explains, is that there is no such evidence in medical research to prove this. By putting patients on addictive drugs, doctors simply mask their problems. Doctors do not always explain that these drugs can be highly addictive. Very few doctors spend enough time with their patients & try to explore the real cause of their depression with them. This book sets out to show that while medication has a place, it is not the answer. In fact, it is only part of the solution. Terry Lynch cites many interesting case-histories which show that patients gained far more by having someone who would listen & not judge or blame them, who made them feel safe & who completely accepted that were very good reasons why one might feel depressed or indeed suicidal. He points out that a secure therapeutic relationship is far more preferable & effective than the drug route. This is a very compassionate book & is a must for anyone who themselves or whose family and/or friends have ever struggled with depression or anxiety. To those who feel there is no other route but that of medication, this book is a ray of light & hope in the dark tunnel of mental anxiety & I would highly recommend it.
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