Myth of Mental Illness

By diagnosing behaviour problems as 'mental illness', this book argues that psychiatry absolves the individual of responsibility for his actions, placing blame instead on the illness. It also argues that Freudian psychology is a dangerous pseudo-science, and critiques the overreach of psychology into the various aspects of modern life.

Reviews

“The landmark book that argued that psychiatry consistently expands its definition of mental illness to impose its authority over moral and cultural conflict.” — New York Times“Enormously courageous and highly infomative, and it makes fascinating reading . . . bold and often brilliant.” — Science“Controversial and influential . . . an iconoclastic work.” — Joyce Carol Oates, New York Times Book Review“Szasz’s radical views on mental illness and drug addiction have been presented with great consistency and courage . . . I predict that Dr. Szasz’s work and thought will once again come to the fore: he takes the long view.” — Will Self, The Times (London)“A classic.” — Salon.com“A damning critique of mental illness . . . a classic work.” — Toronto Star“Quite probably, Szasz has done more than any other man to alert the American public to the potential dangers of an excessively psychiatrized society.” — Atlantic Monthly