Psychiatry has some very vocal critics. They are in the minority and come from widely different social groups. A few are professionals — therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists — who disagree with the majority of their colleagues about the causes, treatments, and even the existence of mental illness.

For example, in Toxic Psychiatry, psychiatrist Peter R. Breggin, MD, claims that psychiatric drugs produce long-term brain damage. He also suggests that instead of using pharmacotherapy, doctors should listen to patients more and offer understanding and help.

A Tenet of Faith?

Other critics belong to religious organizations or are followers of organizations whose beliefs include dogmatic condemnations of psychiatry. Followers are taught that psychiatry amounts to little more than a sham or an attempt to control others.

They Just Don't Trust It

Others who have a low opinion of psychiatry are former patients who disliked their treatment and are convinced they were treated poorly or were never really ill. Unpleasant experiences with the side effects of antipsychotic medications and unsuccessful interactions with therapists and other mental health care professionals might contribute to the complaints of this group of critics.