Psychiatry's Controversies: Overprescription, Skepticism, and Finding the Middle Ground

Today, Gabe and Dr. Nicole discuss the anti-psychiatry movement, emphasizing the importance of balancing perspectives. They acknowledge the valid concerns of anti-psychiatry advocates but caution against the dangers of extreme views, which can undermine beneficial aspects of psychiatric treatment. They encourage reading both pro- and anti-psychiatry literature to make informed decisions while underscoring the need for improvements in the mental health field to address its historical (and ongoing) shortcomings.

"I know because 'I did this research that says the following things,' and that research is not grounded in reality. That is the anti-psychiatry movement that we are most worried about. But again, submerge yourself in it, learn about it, understand it, figure out what pieces apply to your treatment. Do not answer shop. Do not get stuck in the echo chamber. Do not get stuck in the silo. Because that's not a way to get good care either." ~Gabe Howard, Host

To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the official episode page.

Our Host, Gabe Howard, is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available directly from the author.

To learn more about Gabe, or book him for your next event, please visit his website, gabehoward.com. You can also follow him on Instagram and TikTok at @askabipolar.

Our host, Dr. Nicole Washington, is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she attended Southern University and A&M College. After receiving her BS degree, she moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma to enroll in the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed a residency in psychiatry at the University of Oklahoma in Tulsa. Since completing her residency training, Washington has spent most of her career caring for and being an advocate for those who are not typically consumers of mental health services, namely underserved communities, those with severe mental health conditions, and high performing professionals. Through her private practice, podcast, speaking, and writing, she seeks to provide education to decrease the stigma associated with psychiatric conditions. Find out more at DrNicolePsych.com.

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