BOOK BRIEF

Mad in America: Bad Science, Bad Medicine, and the Enduring Mistreatment of the Mentally Ill

Robert Whitaker
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Mad in America: Bad Science, Bad Medicine, and the Enduring Mistreatment of the Mentally Ill

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2003

Book Brief

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Robert Whitaker

Mad in America: Bad Science, Bad Medicine, and the Enduring Mistreatment of the Mentally Ill

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2003
Book Details
Pages

334

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Genre
Psychology
Setting

United States • 20th century

Topic
Health

Mental Illness

Psychology
Publication Year

2003

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Mad in America: Bad Science, Bad Medicine, and the Enduring Mistreatment of the Mentally Ill by Robert Whitaker explores the history of psychiatric treatment in the United States, highlighting the harmful practices and misguided science that have affected individuals experiencing mental health challenges. The book critiques historical and contemporary approaches to mental healthcare, focusing on systemic shortcomings and the need for reform.

Informative

Dark

Unnerving

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

4.4

3,041 ratings

82%

Loved it

14%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Robert Whitaker's Mad in America offers an intriguing critique of psychiatry's history and practices, lauded for its thorough research and compelling narrative. Critics praise its eye-opening examination of mental health treatment but note it sometimes lacks balanced perspectives. The work provokes important discussions on ethics and care in psychiatry.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Mad in America: Bad Science, Bad Medicine, and the Enduring Mistreatment of the Mentally Ill?

Readers interested in Mad in America by Robert Whitaker likely have a keen interest in critiques of psychiatric history and practices. They may also enjoy Anatomy of an Epidemic and The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down for similar explorations of mental health treatment and cultural impacts.

4.4

3,041 ratings

82%

Loved it

14%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

334

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Genre
Psychology
Setting

United States • 20th century

Topic
Health

Mental Illness

Psychology
Publication Year

2003

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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