Szasz (2011)

Question 1

What was Szasz’ aim?

Answer 1

To revisit his essay ‘The Myth of Mental Illness’ to consider the current medicalisation of mental health.

Question 2

What did Szasz think of psychiatry?

Answer 2

He thought it was ‘coercive’ and a denial of human rights

Question 3

What three things does Szasz outline as having changed?

Answer 3

1- Changing attitudes towards ‘incurable’ patients
2- Blurring of private/state psychiatry, overlap between hospitals and mental hospitals and the difference between voluntary/involuntary confinement

Question 4

What two things does Szasz think has happened to lead to mental health losing its credibility?

Answer 4

1- Medicalisation

2- It’s been politicised

Question 5

What does Szasz think a mental illness actually is if it has a physical aspect?

Answer 5

An undiagnosed physical illness

Question 6

What does Szasz propose the term ‘mentally ill’ is actually referring to?

Answer 6

The judgement from people onto someone who demonstrates undesirable behaviour

Question 7

What does Szasz point out that suggests mental illness is seen to control behaviour rather than humans having autonomy?

Answer 7

Not Guilty Through Reasons of Insanity

Question 8

What does the NGRI charge say about human freedom?

Answer 8

It’s takes it away, we can’t accept wrong-doing nor can we escape the mental health system

Question 9

What are Szasz’ three conclusions?

Answer 9

1- The medicalisation and politicisation of psychiatry has led to a de-humanised model of care
2- Mental illness should be regarded as a metaphor
3- He rejects to moral legitimacy of psychiatry as it violates human liberty