Since the beginning of modern psychiatry, the diagnosis of “schizophrenia” has epitomized the idea of chronic, severe mental illness. This engaging article looks at the beliefs and practices of biological psychiatry regarding “schizophrenia.” Guiding beliefs, however flawed they might be, determine perception and action, and this is very true in psychiatry. There are, however, significant differences between belief and fact in psychiatric theory. The author examines these differences and presents research about the safety and efficacy failures of treatment, especially regarding the antipsychotic drugs. He reviews important dissident literature from both psychiatric survivors and professionals showing that recovery from extreme states, from “schizophrenia,” is quite possible. Although the standard psychiatric outlook for recovery from schizophrenia is virtually nil, the essay concludes with an inspiring story of musical artists who have demonstrated a reemergence from diagnoses of severe mental illness and treatment with antipsychotic drugs and electroshock.
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