Behaviorism and Mental Health

Alternative perspective on psychiatry's so-called mental disorders | PHILIP HICKEY, PH.D.

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Steven Novella M.D. and Mental Illness Denial

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Recently Nick Stuart, a regular commenter on this website, drew my attention to Dr. Steven Novella.  Dr. Novella is a strong supporter of the standard psychiatric system, and routinely refers to those of us who challenge these concepts as “mental illness deniers.”(Mental Illness Denial Part I) Nick referred me to some of Dr. Novella’s articles,… Continue Reading

Another Critic of the Illness Concept

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I’ve recently come across another DSM critic – or as Dr. Novella terms us – a mental illness denier. His name is Peter Kinderman, and he is head of the Institute of Psychology, Health and Society at the University of Liverpool.  He has recently written an article called “Grief and anxiety are not mental illnesses.”… Continue Reading

The Origins of “Mental Illness”

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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

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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