Navigating the Landscape of Critical Psychiatry: A Conversation with Dr. Awais Aftab

In this episode, we engage in a nuanced discussion with Dr. Awais Aftab, a leading figure in critical psychiatry, exploring key issues in the field. We distinguish critical psychiatry from "anti-psychiatry," explore the influence of cultural movements on mental health discourse, and discuss the role of service users in advocating for better care. Dr. Aftab shares insights on the role and challenges of crisis hotlines, advocates for a shift in focus of inpatient psychiatric care from risk management to therapeutic outcomes, and discusses the potential and pitfalls of telepsychiatry. Join us as we aim for a more patient-centered approach in mental health care.

What you'll learn in this episode:

• Understanding the landscape of critical psychiatry and contrasting it with the divisive term "anti-psychiatry"
• The role of cultural movements and groups like mad pride, service users, psychiatric survivors—in shaping language around how we conceptualize mental illness
• The role of service users in advocating for better care, especially regarding involuntary hospitalizations and crisis hotlines
• How practicing psychiatrists can move the field forward in a meaningful way 

Dive deeper into these insights in the full blog post (coming soon)

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