In nonpsychiatric circles mental illness all too often is considered to be whatever psychiatrists say it is. Perhaps these answers sound silly. If they do, it is because they are silly. The need to re-examine the problem of mental illness is both timely and pressing. There is confusion, dissatisfaction, and tension in our society concerning psychiatric, psychological, and social issues.
Mental illness is said to be the nation's number one health problem.
We will begin this course on Psychopharmacology by taking a look back into time in hopes of finding at least a preliminary answer to Szasz's question. The Organic Approach This will help us to see how disease is a social construct.