About Phil Hickey Ph.D

I am a licensed psychologist, presently retired. I have worked in clinical and managerial positions in the mental health, corrections, and addictions fields in the United States and England. My wife Nancy and I have been married since 1970 and have four grown children.

The Origins of “Mental Illness”

February 16, 2013 By Phil Hickey |

I routinely state that there are no mental illnesses, but I also make it clear that the behaviors, habits, and problems which are labeled as mental illnesses are very real and can be very disturbing to the individuals involved and to those around them. My general position is that dysfunctional and counterproductive habits are acquired… Continue Reading

“Mental Illness” and Genes

February 15, 2013 By Phil Hickey |

Jay Joseph, PhD has posted an interesting piece: “Five Decades of Gene Finding Failures in Psychiatry” on Mad in America (Robert Whitaker’s site). It is well worth a read. The general content of the article is clear from the title. Here are some quotes: “Two generations of molecular genetic researchers have attempted, yet failed, to discover the genes… Continue Reading

Criticism of DSM-5

February 15, 2013 By Phil Hickey |

Christopher Lane, author of Shyness: How Normal Behavior Became a Sickness, has a new post, in which he attacks the APA for including somatic symptom disorder (SSD) in the upcoming DSM-5. Dr. Lane quotes from Allen Francis (former DSM guru who has now seen the light) and Suzy Chapman, a UK health advocate. Both of… Continue Reading

If Depression Is Not An Illness, What Is It?

February 12, 2013 By Phil Hickey |

Elsewhere on this site, I have argued that depression is not an illness, but rather is an adaptive mechanism that encourages us to make changes in our habits or our circumstances. I have written about what I call the seven natural anti-depressants: good nutrition; fresh air; sunshine (in moderation); physical activity; purposeful activity; good relationships;… Continue Reading