The Epidemic of Mental Illness in America

In an article titled "Anatomy of an Epidemic: Psychiatric Drugs and the Astonishing Rise of Mental Illness in America" by Robert Whittaker (Cambridge MA), published in "Ethical Human Psychology and Psychiatry",  Volume 7, Number 1, Spring 2005, Mr. Whittaker begins:

"Over the past 50 years, there has been an astonishing increase in severe mental illness in the United States. The percentage of Americans disabled by mental illness has increased fivefold since 1955, when Thorazine — remembered today as psychiatry's first "wonder" drug — was introduced into the market. The number of Americans disabled by mental illness has nearly doubled since 1987, when Prozac — the first in a second generation of wonder drugs for mental illness — was introduced . There are now nearly 6 million Americans disabled by mental illness, and this number increases by more than 400 people each day. A  review  of the scientific literature reveals that it is our drug-based paradigm of care that is fueling this epidemic. (emphasis mine - ed.) The drugs increase the likelihood that a person will become chronically ill, and induce new and more severe psychiatric symptoms in a significant percentage of patients."

(See the whole article as PDF file.)

In cases like this, where clearly the public benefit is not served, I employ the old axiom "follow the money." Who stands to benefit from the increasing diagnosis of mental illness? It is obvi0us: The psychiatrists and the drug companies.

NOTE:

Ethical Human Psychology and Psychiatry (EHPP) is a peer-reviewed journal that publishes original research reports, reviews, essays, book reviews, commentaries, and case reports examining all the ramifications of the idea that emotional distress is due to an underlying organic disease that is best treated with pharmacological therapy. This oversimplified view of human nature permeates virtually every area of our society including medicine, business, law, education, politics, and the media. Thus, we welcome submissions from a broad range of specialties. EHPP is the official publication of the International Center for the Study of Psychiatry and Psychology (ICSPP).