Mental health system is counter productive

I WOULD like to thank Terry Prone for her sensitive and compassionate article on mental health (March 23, 2009).

However, some issues may need clarification to avoid further distress.

There is no consistent scientific evidence that mental “illness” is a biochemical, genetically determined illness.

The mental health system at present with its dominant medical model is often counter productive and often serves mainly the interests of the pharmaceutical industries and their seeming appetite for control of human experiences.

Add to that the devastating terminology used, often compounding distress.

Anne Keohane

M.Sc (Cell Biology)

Bandon

Co Cork