Article Detail

All psychiatric drugs have the potential to cause withdrawal reactions, including the antidepressants, stimulants, tranquilizers, antipsychotic drugs, and “mood stabilizers” such as lithium. When the individual’s condition grows markedly worse within days or weeks of stopping the psychiatric drug, this is almost always due to a withdrawal reaction. However, misinformed doctors and misled parents, teachers, and patients think this is evidence that the individual “needs” the drug even more when what the patient really needs is time to overcome the drug’s contrary effects on the brain and body.

Dr. Breggin's newest book is now available and provides the best source of information on these issues: Psychiatric Drug Withdrawal: A Guide for Prescribers, Therapists, Patients and Their Families. The first half of the book reviews many of the reasons why individuals should be withdrawn from psychiatric drugs and provides an current review of some of the more serious and persistent adverse drug effects. The second half of the book presents a person-centered collaborative team approach to helping people during psychiatric drug withdrawal. It also provides a most effective approach to mental health treatment in general.

The importance of the patient, family, and therapist are emphasized. It's time for therapists to leave behind the concept of "medication compliance" and to take a responsible role in discussing medication problems with their patients and their families. It's time for patients and their families to understand that treatment should flow from their observations and needs, and not from rote prescribing practices. Finally, prescribers will find that they can do far more good by working with therapists, patients and therapists than in an outmoded role as prescribers working in isolation.

Have a look at the many prepublication endorsements from outstanding professionals.

Purchase a signed copy of the book at a discount here.