History, Science and the Long-term Effects of Psychiatric Medications

In order of appearance:


Dr Harry Gijbels

Senior Lecturer, Catherine McAuley School of Nursing and Midwifery, University College Cork &

Chairperson, Sli Eile Housing Association



Professor Fred Powell

Professor of Social Policy and Head of School of Applied Social Studies, University College Cork



Dr Pat Bracken

Consultant Psychiatrist and Clinical Director, West Cork Mental Health Services



Mr Robert Whitaker

Medical Journalist and Author



In Anatomy of An Epidemic, Robert Whitaker, acclaimed medical author and journalist, asks "Why has the number psychiatric diagnoses given to adults and children skyrocketed over the past 50 years? Why does this epidemic parallel so closely the growth and dominance of psychiatric drugs as treatment?". The acclaimed US medical journalist documents a history of science and medicine that raises a heretical question: Could this drug-based approach actually be fuelling this modern-day plague? Whitaker argues we need to start an open conversation about how to stem the epidemic of disabling mental distress in society and move to an approach that helps people get well and stay well over the long term.



Recorded on Tuesday 1st March 2011