The Legitimacy of Mental Illness

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They delve into the concept of mental illness and its legitimacy, questioning the existence and measurement of certain disorders like ADD. They discuss the potential influence of psychiatric establishments in inventing disorders and prescribing medication arbitrarily, while also acknowledging the benefits of thinking of mental illness in a helpful way for individuals. The influence of capitalism and pharmaceutical companies on over-prescribing medications is explored, along with the effectiveness of talk therapy and the mystery surrounding electroconvulsive therapy's positive impact on severe depression.

David and Tamler explore Thomas Szasz’s provocative and still relevant 1961 book “The Myth of Mental Illness,” the topic selected by our beloved Patreon supporters. When we think of mental disorders as “diseases,” are we making a category mistake? Are we turning ordinary “problems in living” into pathologies that must be treated (with pills or psychoanalysis)? Does this model rob us of our autonomy in direct or indirect ways? Plus, with VBW 200 only 2 episodes away we give our top 3 dream guests, and David dons his punditry cap to break down the first presidential debate, which already seems like six months ago.