Thomas Stephen Szasz (1920-2012)

Abstract

Presents an obituary of Thomas Stephen Szasz (1920-2012). Szasz viewed mental health problems as problems in living rather than disorders since there was no consistent pathology as is found with neurological disease. Szasz was a hugely influential figure to the liberal wing of the American legal profession. He was quoted widely in the successful campaign to reduce the avenues open to psychiatrists who believe a patient requires involuntary admission to hospital. Szasz did not want to see patients unless they wanted to see him. A skilled writer, Szasz would pair an obviously odious historical event with involuntary admission of patients so that the latter became tarnished by association. The current high levels of untreated mental illness, homelessness, the exploding prison population, and the emphasis on rights rather than treatment needs can be traced in large measure to Szasz and his acolytes. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2013 APA, all rights reserved)