Beyond Prozac : Healing Mental Distress Paperback – May 31, 2004

This book is effectively a review of the mental health system as it operates in Britain today. Mr. Lynch begins by looking at the way the pharmaceutical industry tests (inadequately) its products and effectively controls research and the publication of research so as to protect its interests. It also profoundly and consistently influences mental health professionals especially doctors and nurses so that they consciously and unconsciously promote drugs which have not always been properly tested and whose efficacy does not match the claims. He also looks in some detail at the many side-effects of much medication particularly antidepressants, which are often downplayed by doctors.Terry Lynch is a practising GP who is also a trained psychotherapist, and he goes on to look at each major category of mental illness in turn, (although he does not accept this term, believing that all such illnesses are understandable human reactions to life circumstances). Employing a large number of case histories he offers ideas about how such conditions come about and how they may be treated effectively by therapeutic approaches.I have been a social worker for 25 years and have worked in the field of mental health for 9. I have never read such a sane and authoritative and helpful book about human distress and the mental health system. I would recommend it unreservedly to anyone who seriously wants to help people suffering from mental health problems.

Haven't read such an impassioned polemic against the medical profession since R D Laing back in the day... Generally a very good attack on the mindless use of prescription drugs and Big Pharma; though I personally have to admit I've never come across these prescription-happy doctors. All my GPs have prescribed as if they were being asked for heroin (unlike my stays in hospital when sleeping pills wee dished out like Smarties). But perhaps I've just been lucky.

I found this book very detailed and informative. It describes in detail all mental illnesses. It explains how they can be tackled by counselling, theraphy and how people care and listen to people suffering from this disease. Prozac is a drug to keep people balanced but they also need much more, someone that is non judgemental to listen and show they care enough to bring them on a road to receovery rather than leave them taking drugs for the rest of their life and also to stop people from taking their own lives. I bought this because I have a family member suffering from depression and I found it helpful and I am now more aware of the condition. I recommend it as a good buy.

Anyone who isstruggling with personal issues or is on medication or has a loved one in this situation should read this book. It is full of hope and compassion and expalins that there are alternatives to medication and recovery is always possible.

Must read for people interested in Mental Health.As a scientist, I can say the mediaction has adverseaffect on your health.Use holsitic methods - change your diet - get exercise - talking therapies -pray to God - meditation - alkaline foods - and much more -but No Medication -Well done Doc