Our necessary shadow: the nature and meaning of psychiatry

Abstract

Reviews the book, Our necessary shadow: The nature and meaning of psychiatry. by Tom Burns. (see record [rid]2013-23600-000[/rid]). The book is aimed at the general public in an attempt to provide greater understanding of 'what psychiatry is, what it can and what it cannot do'. This historical background helps the reader to better understand past decisions, both good and bad. Current practice is described and challenged in a balanced and candid way. For the general reader, psychiatry is explained in comprehensible terms. Many feared aspects, for example ECT, are demystified and their benefits clearly explained. Many readers will be from a generation accustomed to viewing psychiatry with a degree of suspicion. Much of the book is dedicated to giving a truthful account of the darker parts of psychiatry’s history, with fascinating insights into the character of the individuals involved. There are no excuses made for the darkest hours of psychiatry’s past. However, there is also plenty of material provided to challenge the views of the hardest cynic. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved)