Doctor Lucy Johnstone on how the underlying causes of emotional distress are often unexplored, and why that might be

Let's Talk Withdrawal

This week, we talk with Doctor Lucy Johnstone who is a Clinical Psychologist, trainer, speaker and writer, and a long-standing critic of the biomedical model of psychiatry. She has worked in adult mental health settings for many years, alternating with academic posts. Lucy has authored a number of books, including ‘Users and Abusers of Psychiatry, and ‘A straight-talking introduction to psychiatric diagnosis’ as well as a number of articles and chapters on topics such as psychiatric diagnosis, formulation, the psychological effects of ECT, and the role of trauma in breakdown. I was keen to talk to Dr. Johnstone about our reliance on the concept of diagnosis and how that doesn’t fit well with psychological or emotional distress and how a predominantly biomedical view of tends to lead to a purely medication centred approach to mental healthcare.

#antidepressants #antipsychotics #benzodiazepines #withdrawal #tapering #mental health