> My opinion:
>
> The books you mention are little more than the seizing of opportunity by charlatans to make money. Although there is accuracy in some of the facts they present, they are artfully crafted into horror stories and are a source of disinformation. Mistakes have been made historically in psychiatry - just like in many other fields of medicine. I think it is a matter of intent. What is the intent of psychiatry in today's world? Individual healthcare professionals each have their goals which are often in conflict with both the field of psychiatry and the welfare of the patient. I have come across incompetency. I have come across ignorance and arrogance. However, this is far from being a systemic problem. I cannot comment on the older state hospitals, though. I have never been to one, but I understand they are horrible. One of the real problems I see is the dearth of psychiatrists in rural areas.
>
Scott, how do you know that the authors of those books don't have the same good intentions that you think psychiatry has?
I agree with most of what you are saying here...but I really, really doubt that those books were written just so the authors could make some money. I'm sure they also feel like they are doing something good for the welfare of people...that their intention is for good, just like psychiatry.
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