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Are psychiatrists the all-knowing healers or part of the problem?
Psychiatry reflects societal ills? Pressure to be happy fuels mental health disorders. Time for reflection: are psychiatrists part of the problem?
Many scientific articles provide an interesting overview of philosophical developments in psychiatry. Authors often delve into big questions like the nature of psychiatry, the classification of mental disorders, and the relationship between body and mind. Their ideas are valuable, but I often miss a broader perspective on the influence of society on psychiatry.
Surprisingly, psychiatry is often driven more by societal values and media portrayals than by science. After all, what is considered ‘normal’ depends on what society and the media consider normal.
Psychiatry is not an island. It is in close contact with other sciences such as psychology, pharmacology and neuroscience. In fact, innovation often comes from outside: new medications, imaging techniques and psychotherapeutic methods. Future developments may lie in the field of psychedelic therapy, neuromodulation and digital personalized care.
