ICSPP Bulletin

International Center for the Study of Psychiatry and Psychology, Inc.

“The Conscience of Psychiatry” 2009 – Number 4 (Sorry We’re So Late! ) Issue ______What’s Inside: Syracuse 2009 Was a Hit Glad You Could Join Us 2009 Conference: A Photographic Look Back Our 2009 conference was a We‟re glad so many of you could Updates: fine show, thanks to organizers make it, and we sure hope to see New Website Coordinator Toby Tyler Watson and Michael you next year when we will be Bulletin Coming Online Gilbert, seen below. Also hard at back in Syracuse again. work were Burton Seitler and We‟ll have more to say about A Mother‟s Proclamation Jake Johnson, who took presenta- our 2010 conference - topics, tion proposals, and Susan Parry, speakers, and all that fun stuff - in Interview: Krista MacKinnon who booked some of the speak- in the next Bulletin. Until then, of FOR ers. enjoy the photos and highlights, We had plenty of familiar and everything else we‟ve put to- Articles: faces, and new ones, too, both at gether for you, in the following the podium and in the crowd. pages. Drugs are No Solution and Depression is Valuable

Film Review: Mackler‟s “Broken Wings”

Poetry: Kenn‟s „Letter To Ange

Bulletin Staff:

Andrew Crosby, MA Editor

Delores Jankovich, MA, LMSW Co-editor ______Dr. Toby Tyler Watson, ICSPP International Director, and Dr. Michael Gilbert at the Syracuse conference. They were the primary conference organizers for 2009. Michael will be doing it again in 2010. Photo: Andrew Crosby

International Center for the Study of Psychiatry and Psychology, Inc. 1036 Park Avenue, Suite 1B New York, N.Y. 10028 (212) 861-7400

About the International Center for the Study of Psychiatry and Psychology: The International Center for the Study of Psychiatry and Psychology (ISCPP) is a nonprofit, 501C research and educational network of professionals and lay persons who are concerned with the impact of mental health theory and practice upon individuals well-being, personal freedom, families, and communities. For over three decades ICSPP has been informing the professionals, the media, and the public, about the potential dangers of drugs, electroshock, psychosurgery, and the biological theories of psychiatry. ICSPP is supported by donations and contributions. Officers receive no salary or other remuneration.

Help us continue our work by sending a donation to ICSPP today.

ICSPP Bulletin A Cautionary Note Submission Policies

Authors may submit work to the newsletter Given that you are reading this newslet- while simultaneously submitting or distributing ter, you are at least acquainted with psycho- to other publications or forums if they choose. tropic drugs, the risks they pose, and the po- Where this is the case, we ask that authors in- tential hazards of discontinuing their use. form newsletter staff so that our readers may be All psychotropic drugs produce adverse ef- advised accordingly. Other publications will fects, can be addictive, and can lead to have their own guidelines, however, of which physically and emotionally distressing with- authors should be aware. drawal reactions when modified or discon-

Authors retain full rights to and ownership tinued. of their work once it is submitted to, or published in, the newsletter. Authors may subse- Consistent with ICSPP‟s mission, the quently submit or distribute their work to other information in this newsletter is meant to publications or forums, where appropriate, inform and educate. It is not intended as a without the expressed consent of ICSPP or the substitute for proper individualized psycho- newsletter. logical or psychiatric care. Nothing in this newsletter is intended to be taken as medical We ask that authors specify in any subse- advice. quent publication or distribution that the work was originally published in the ICSPP newslet- If you, or someone you know, are taking ter, noting the relevant issue number. any psychotropic drug and are considering Authors are responsible for the content and stopping, you are encouraged to do so gradu- accuracy of any statements made in their contri- ally and under the supervision of a knowl- butions. edgeable and responsible professional.

Submissions or inquiries may be sent to the This is the safest and healthiest way to editor or co-editor at the email addresses on the proceed. It is also the most likely to be suc- inside back page of this issue. We look forward cessful. to hearing from you.

2 acute manic episode from toxic en- ICSPP Welcomes New cephalopathy. I was misdiagnosed for two years as having bipolar dis- Website Coordinator order. Testing Dr. Charles Gant ran indicated past exposure to lead and After more than six years of related topics, I also posted infor- other toxins. A series of intrave- handling the ICSPP website and mation on event sites, press releases nous chelation treatments and other related duties, Andrew Levine has and helped create a facebook detoxing therapies helped to reverse stepped aside. As we thank An- cause. I did the same type of inter- symptoms. drew for his time and service, we net connecting for an event Michael On my own I accumulated also welcome his successor, Maria Gilbert hosted and for seminars enough information to initiate a Mangicaro. Below, Maria tells us given by Dr. Charles Gant. As a worker's compensation claim that about herself. courtesy and to help strengthen con- eventually gained support from an nections, I would be happy to do occupational doctor and a neurolo- I have 15 years in the graphic that for any ICSPP member hosting gist to the dx of toxic encephalopa- arts industry, a Bachelor's Degree in events they would like promoted. If thy. My case is an example of the Legal Studies from the University at any ICSPP members would like to need to take an effective occupa- Buffalo, a paralegal certificate from contribute information for the tional work history in a psychiatric Syracuse University and experience ICSPP blog I would be happy to evaluation, as well as the need to as a legal blogger. post it. recognize the effects of past expo- To help promote the 2009 con- I am also a psychiatric survi- sure to lead and other heavy metals. ference I created a blog on a free vor. Long term chemical exposure website to compile videos and infor- working in the pre-press department mation on the presenters and other of a printing company cause an ______

ICSPP Bulletin To Join the 21st Century

We here at Bulletin Headquar- him about some upgrades I‟m ready work load, the Holidays, and some ters have many gifts. We are knowl- for, and he asked about the newslet- unexpected dental work, we need to edgeable, idealistic, and concerned ter. It turns out he‟s learned a few ask you be patient for just a bit with our members‟ interests. We are things since we last spoke, and he longer. Again, we think you‟ll dedicated to our craft, and willing to was full of ideas about how we can like what‟s coming. And the best work long hours for no money, al- go high tech. part is that this will help us get word though, yeah, we occasionally whine He explained it all to me on the of our contributions out to more about the money part. phone. Here‟s the ten percent I un- people. That‟s always a good thing. We are, however, technically derstand: We will still be producing Actually, the best part is proba- challenged and slow to change. For the Bulletin with our standard tech- bly that I‟ll no longer get those example, over the years we have nology, using Word Publisher. strange looks when I tell people we made several attempts to get the (That‟s my favorite part.) We will have no way to view our newsletters newsletters onto the ICSPP website, still be printing and mailing the online. That‟s become embarrass- but with money issues, technical newsletter, at least to everybody who ing in an age when everybody – complications, and time pressures, still wants to receive a hard copy. even boring people – are on My we‟ve just let that slip. (We are also happy with that, since Space. But that is soon to change, and some members, like me, don‟t like We expect this to happen by we think you‟ll like what‟s coming. change.) But the Bulletin will also our next issue, so hang in there with Long story short, I had once be posted online, including back is- us just a bit longer. We‟ll keep you asked a guy who‟s helped me with sues, available for full viewing to all posted about what‟s happening, and some computer stuff about how to members, and maybe even the gen- how to check in with the Bulletin get the newsletters onto our website eral public. online. and, at the time, he had little to say. We‟d hoped to get this all in ______Well, I recently got in touch with place for this issue, but with the

3 A Mother’s Proclamation Teri Braegelmann

On June 1, 2007, my 22 year old ING to the critical information found by choices. Simply put, we have an expec- son, Joshua, committed suicide by shoot- FAA inspectors after a plane tation to be informed about our ing himself in the head. This was an crashes. Unfortunately, the plane choices. This is evident for every age irrational, impulsive act which may have crashed for our family and I‟m sure group. Further, we have a duty when we been prevented, had we received better many others, given the statistics I have entrust our lives to those in the medical information and warning about the anti- found. My son was never given the pa- and pharmacology professions to give depressive effects of his prescribed tient medication guide containing the our input and insight related to our ex- medications common among young BLACK BOX WARNING. Because of periences, especially when other lives adults. Sadly, the information ex- the lack of this vital information, we, the may be at risk. I have great concern for isted. We simply did not know about family never knew what to look for or our many veterans returning from war, it. I'm seeking to ensure that medica- even the potential risk involved in taking as a vast majority fall into the 18-24 age tions with BLACK BOX WARNINGS, the prescribed medicine until months group and many may be prescribed these like those being taken by my son, are after Joshua‟s death. Joshua exhibited anti-depressive medications. If they may visibly identified on the prescription all of the side effects listed in the be at risk, they have a right to know bottle given to a patient from a pharma- BLACK BOX WARNING for clinical what those risks may be and what to be cist, thereby warning a patient and/or worsening, however, the information on the lookout for. We have a duty to his/her caregiver of the special attention came too late to assess or monitor him ensure that we give them our best, as that should be given to these important properly. It is hard to put into words the they have sacrificed so much already. FDA warnings. impact of the loss of my son. Joshua Sharing my tragedy is not an easy en- Joshua took prescribed anti- was an identical twin and left behind his deavor for me. Losing my son is the depressants for approximately nine bother, Aaron, who was and continues to most difficult thing I imagine I will ever weeks prior to his suicide. My son‟s be impacted in his own unique endure. It is my hope that others prop- bottle of medication simply said “take way. Losing Joshua continues to haunt erly receive the tools necessary to make with food or milk” and “may cause diz- every second of every day of our lives. an informed decision regarding their ziness.” It made no mention of the In closing, I would like to speak medication. BLACK BOX WARNING, and nor did not only as parent but also as a consumer any of the other materials given to him when I say that more than ever before in Sincerely, by the pharmacist. In the weeks after my our country consumers are becoming son‟s death, I became concerned about proactive in their own health care Teri Braegelmann (Joshua's mom) the medication (which was the same as Joshua‟s) I was taking for my own depression. I started researching possible side effects. I found a patient medication guide for the medication. Upon reading the patient medication guide, I discovered the BLACK BOX WARNING, which is directed by the FDA to be inserted at the very begin- ning of the prescription package in- sert. A copy of that warning is at- tached. The BLACK BOX WARNING contains critically necessary information, a review of warns of potential serious adverse side effects and what behaviors or symptoms to watch out for. This information appears essential to informed patient decision-making and drug effec- tiveness. I was shocked to find such serious risk vs. benefit information, especially pertaining to young adults under the age of 25 years, tucked away in a box and probably never received by most patients. Amazingly, there was no directive to this vital information on my Joshua and Teri Braegelmann at Mount Charleston, Las Vegas, Nevada, Febru- son‟s bottle of medication. ary 2007. (Photo courtesy of Teri Braegelmann) I equate the BLACK BOX WARN- 4

WHEREAS, in 2007 the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) required that makers of all antidepressant medications update the existing warnings on their products’ labels; and

WHEREAS, these warnings must include an advisory of the increased risks of suicidal thinking and behavior, known as suicidality, in young adults ages 18 to 24 during initial treatment; and

WHEREAS, the FDA recognizes that suicidality is a growing concern, especially among the increasing number of young Americans who are prescribed antidepressant drugs; and

WHEREAS, education and awareness are essential tools for informed decision making; and

WHEREAS, communication between a patient, the caregiver, and the health care provider is vital to assuring a successful treatment plan and to providing hope for an individual who is struggling to overcome depression; and

WHEREAS, patients and their families should always be informed of all of the possible side-effects and life threatening adverse events of their medications and be warned of the danger of mixing medications with over the counter drugs or alcohol; and

WHEREAS, patients, care-givers, and health care professionals must work together to understand all of the ramifications of prescribed medications and should be aware of, and discuss immediately, any clinical worsening, suicidal tendencies, or unusual changes in behavior, especially during the initial few months of a course of drug therapy as stated in the “Black Box Warn- ing”; and

WHEREAS, suicide hotline volunteers, triage professionals, public awareness and ongoing communication about this important issue are essential to preventing a heartbreaking and tragic loss;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JIM GIBBONS, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NE- VADA, do hereby declare November, 2009

ANTIDEPRESSANT DRUG AWARENESS MONTH 5 Interview: Krista MacKinnon of Family Outreach Response

by Delores Jankovich

Krista, you are the Early Psy- to be educated not just by nurses and between FOR and other family sup- chosis and Recovery Family Coordi- professionals in the medical system but port organizations for those diagnosed nator at The Family Outreach Re- that families actually need to have a as mentally ill such as The National sponse (FOR) center in Toronto, wide variety of materials and sources of Association for the Mentally Ill Canada. I understand that FOR is a knowledge to make informed choices on (NAMI, the major family support or- one-of-a-kind organization that pro- what kind of support they want to offer ganization in the U.S.). vides supportive services for family to the people they love during extreme members and/or their loved ones emotional times. For one, NAMI is heavily funded whom are experiencing extreme by the pharmaceutical industry and FOR emotional distress. What prompted the founding of has a policy to never accept funding the Family Outreach Response as an from the pharmaceutical industry. In Tell me about your role at organization? fact, FOR will not even participate in FOR and how you became inter- conferences that have pharmaceutical ested in doing this work. In 1992 part of the Centre For Ad- industry sponsorship. Secondly, philoso- diction and Mental Health set up a task phically we are very different. The edu- I am a family support worker and force of families and staff members to cation work FOR does is largely around mental health recovery educator at look at the needs of psychiatric survivors educating families about the recovery FOR. I offer counseling, education, and their families. In the meetings the model rather than the biological mental advocacy, and support to people strug- need for family outreach was expressed illness framework of understanding. For gling with mental health distress and loudly. A Family Council was created example, in the educational groups we to those who care about someone who and was given space and support as a run for families we do not teach from the is struggling emotionally. My role is result. Limitations of time, energy, fund- perspective of the diagnostic statistical to focus specifically on families that ing and expertise were encountered and manual and the symptoms accompanied are experiencing something of this a few years later FOR applied to the On- with given diagnoses but rather we focus nature for the first time. Sometimes tario government for Community Invest- on communication, relationship, and my role involves helping with system ment Fund help. A portion of this $20- critically analyzing what is happening in navigation and connecting people to million fund had been earmarked for the given situation, including decon- the psychiatric system, and sometimes family and consumer/survivor mental structing the illness system itself. We my role involves providing support health initiatives. A wonderful coinci- often have survivors come and tell their and education to families who‟s loved dence: the FOR initiative and CIF fund- stories of recovery and talk about what ones are not choosing to use the for- ing appeared at the same time. Since, they found most helpful from their loved mal mental health system as a tool in FOR has expanded significantly with ones in their most difficult times. We recovery. I do this wherever the sup- two offices and ten staff, five full-time also focus on ways families can manage port is needed, sometimes in hospitals, and five part-time. their own “dark emotions” and learn in family homes, sometimes in librar- how to offer support while also letting ies, coffee shops or restaurants. FOR was not given funding to spe- go of things beyond their control. cifically be an alternative family pro- I became interested in doing this gram or even a recovery oriented support What organizations or resources work because I myself went through service for families. The funding was were helpful in forming the philoso- what gets labeled “first episode of simply to provide support. It is through phy and programming that FOR psychosis” at sixteen years old, and the proven success of the recovery ori- chose when establishing their ser- was given an unhelpful diagnosis of ented family program that FOR has been vices? bipolar disorder. My family at the time able to grow and get more funding and became an ally to the medical system resources to be where we are now. We The survivor movement and the and the illness concept instead of be- are very grateful to be able to do the recovery movement and all the related coming an ally to me in my recovery cutting edge work we do while still hav- literature and research were extremely because they were not given thought- ing Ministry of Health funding. helpful in creating programming and ful family support and education to establishing the principles and values of understand what was happening for the services offered at FOR. We are also me at the time. It was clear to me then, If you would, briefly outline the lucky that The Centre For Addiction and and clear to me now that families need principles that make the difference Mental Health graciously provides us

6 with office space and another organiza- meaningful and helpful. A first moment was when Thomas Bock, a Pro- tion called Community Resources Con- break of psychosis can be a real fessor of clinical psychology and social nections Of Toronto provides us with biographical disruption for people psychiatry at the University Clinic of some back end administrative support. that can shake their identities to the Hamburg looked up first break in his We‟ve also been heavily influenced and core, so we spend time and energy German-English dictionary and discov- learned volumes through our involve- focusing on making sense of the ered the English translation to be “first ment with the International Network experience and inviting people to chance.” I found that to be quite fitting. Towards Alternatives in Recovery take authorship over what is hap- (www.intar.org) who are an international pening for them. What would you say is the most im- summit of world-renowned survivor portant quality that a parent or other leaders, psychiatrists, psychologists, Through a recent communi- concerned person can have in relating family members, and other mental health cation with me, you shared that to his or her loved one when the loved professionals who meet annually to pro- you had attended the 2009 Con- one is in extreme distress? mote alternatives to the harm of diagno- ference of The International Net- sis, medication, hospitalization, coercion work Toward Alternatives and It‟s imperative that concerned people and force. Recovery in New York. What was know their limits of involvement and the high point of that conference understand their role in supporting How does what you provide in for you? someone. Sometimes this means accept- services for a person ing that even in when experiencing his or extreme-distress their her first psychosis relative is entitled the differ from what you right to risk, the dignity would provide for to fail and the opportu- someone who has nity to learn from their had an experience of life path. As a support more than one psy- person you are there to chosis? inspire, love, support and care, not to control It is important to or “save” someone. address internal and This is a difficult thing external oppression for many people to and discrimination in embrace when they can both cases, but some- see someone they love times the iatrogenic really struggling and harm and learned making what they helplessness that can deem “poor choices” occur from unhelpful but is a highly impor- system supports for tant skill for the rela- those who have been tionship and for heal- in distress for longer ing. periods of time are Krista at the FOR office in Toronto. quite great. I‟d say 60 (Photo courtesy of Krista MacKinnon.) How do you provide percent of what I pro- education and sup- vide in services for someone who has port to family members when they had more than one experience of psycho- There were many high points face conflict or opposition when pre- sis is often around directly facing and for me. Sometimes promoting re- senting an alternative view of recov- overcoming some of that damage. In first covery in a system that is so inher- ery, while interfacing with individuals episode psychosis family work, some- ently illness-based can feel isolating who utilize the disease model in ad- times it is the family who is in crisis and lonely, so to talk and work with dessing extreme states of distress? while the person who experienced psy- a room full of survivors, profession- chosis has already started to move on als and families who whole- That is the most challenging part of and heal. In both cases there are parallel heartedly believe that we can do our job. When families are educated healing journeys happening and the fam- things differently and need to be about recovery and alternatives they ily support offered at FOR honours both doing things differently in mental rightfully become quite frustrated with those tracks and their respective choices health service delivery, is very af- the status quo. We provide resources and and options for managing healing. firming and energizing. Will Hall information for families to keep them Sometimes the family work is about be- did a fabulous keynote that really inspired and impassioned about recov- ing the bridge between the two journeys. highlighted how damaging the sys- ery, as well as providing advocacy and Also, in first episode psychosis, the work tem can be and how viable alterna- emotional support. We host a social jus- is about connecting people to services tives are, that was touching and tice and recovery group that families can and supports and community that are beautifully delivered. Another great become involved in if they are wanting 7 to take action and to promote different chiatric system either as a family mem- For those who want to learn frameworks of understanding and dif- ber, or as a survivor. To establish a pro- more about your organization, how do ferent ways of offering support. gram like FOR in other communities it they go about contacting FOR? would be helpful to start with a group of Does the social justice and re- impassioned psychiatric survivors and Well, a useful source of informa- covery group provide connection family members who are wanting to see tion is our website of course http:// with recovery-informed legal help, families being supported and educated www.familymentalhealthrecovery.org/ or does it primarily provide emo- differently. There may even be some but also people can contact me directly tional support for the process? pockets of NAMI that are more open to at 416-535-8501 ext 1935. collaborating with survivors and devel- The social justice and recovery oping more recovery oriented family Is there anything else that you group is a new group. This group was supports. Also, the director of the pro- would like to add in regard to your formed in order to provide a way to gram, Karyn Baker, and I are always work or of specific note about FOR? utilize and channel the anger and frus- happy to travel and share our materials tration experienced when individuals and do training with new family organi- I would like to add that Karyn realize the oppression and pain they zations wanting to offer this type of ser- Baker and I are doing recovery educa- experienced in the disease model of vice. tion for mental health professionals. We mental health. What action and focus offer this in a variety of ways, but often the group will take specifically is yet What is the most satisfying ele- we do this in a six week training course. to be determined and will come di- ment of this work for you? Many professionals were coming to our rectly from the will of the group. family recovery education groups to The most satisfying element of this learn about recovery so the next logical In your experience, what do work for me is when I see families go leap was for us to officially offer training consumers, ex-users and survivors from being completely in distress to be- to professionals. We feel very lucky to most want in their ongoing relation- ing calm and empowered even in crisis. do this work and spread the lessons of ships with family members and/or Families really learn to survive and the recovery model to interested profes- friends? thrive even amidst incredibly difficult sionals. situations. It is very satisfying to see Consumers, ex-users and survi- healing happen not just individually with It is great to know that you are vors want the same things that every- people in recovery but relationally bringing awareness and education one wants in their relationships. We within the family. The resilience I see in that, hopefully, will inspire conven- are not different. We want patience, the families I work with is beautiful and tional workers to pursue alternatives acceptance, compassion, empathy, makes me proud to be part of the human in working with those who are going hope, and kindness, a non-judgmental race. through painful emotinoal experi- attitude. We want to have the right to ences. run our own lives and make choices Would you share some of the that we feel make sense for our indi- interests and practices that help you I appreciate the generous time vidual life paths. unwind and provide enjoyment for you have given to sharing this infor- you? mation. The ground-breaking work Certainly, FOR is a model of that you and your organization are support and care that is greatly I am a mom of two amazing little doing is giving new hope for those who needed in other loca, especially here boys who provide me with endless gig- experience extreme emotional states as in the U.S., as well as in other coun- gles, challenges, snuggles, and lessons. I well as for their family members and tries. What is the first task neces- am a long-time yogi and Buddhist spiri- friends. sary in order to create a like-minded tual practitioner. My interests lie in per- group to accomplish what FOR is sonal development and growth and in the Your interview gives ICSPP the accomplishing? potential for connection and intimacy opportunity to begin circulating between people. I think we‟ve only awareness of The Family Outreach It might be helpful to align with scratched the surface of the power of Response to those who are in need of other interested established groups. love and healing through relationship. In alternatives in their recovery. We The Center to Study Recovery in So- my personal time I engage in all sorts of commend you for the work you do. cial Contexts was a sponsor of the last wonders to keep me engaged and happy Thank you, Krista MacKinnon. INTAR conference, I wonder if there in the world from building websites to are any individuals there who are in- chanting with my shruti box to writing terested in supporting some develop- and creating art. I like to always try new ment with regard to family recovery things and find different ways of being work? Part of what makes FOR work in my body, from yoga to Parkour, to **************** so well is that everyone who works gymnastics to running to hip hop danc- here is a professional but is also some- ing. Lately I‟ve been all about the hip one who has been personally affected hop dancing and have been having a by mental health distress and the psy- blast with that. 8 Imbalance or No Imbalance: Drugs are Not the Solution

By Charles Greenstein

We need to be more careful in there just kind of on the back burner. psychiatry and the pharmaceutical indus- our handling of the chemical imbal- It‟s there just in case anyone asks any tries, I‟ve found that this isn‟t really an ance issue. This seems to be the easi- questions. Instead, it is more often the issue to many people. Many people just est target when we, those who strive to greed, anxiety, and fearfulness that take want “help,” and if there‟s a drug that reform the field of mental health, seek over both the psychiatrist and the patient. can be claimed to help, great. No further to dismantle the medicating brigade of “I‟m going to write you a prescription to questions asked. For indeed, if one were our opponents. It truly is the most help deal with your depression,” a doctor to question far enough, they would find ridiculous-sounding aspect of their might say. “Sure! Great! Sounds won- themselves in a dead end. There is no theories. But while I doubt there ever derful!,” the likely response goes, echo- big testing lab somewhere out West will be scientifically reliable proof of ing a suffering, desperate patient who where we can measure our depression such a neurochemical imbalance, I will try anything to alleviate his or her levels, as I was so criminally misled to can‟t say that I would be completely problems. It is almost like the case of a believe. And additionally, the notion of shocked if it were true. I can‟t say that drug addict who, upon hearing that a such an imbalance seems to crumble it‟s impossible. Thus I think it may be certain substance will make him feel apart within any visit to a psychiatrist. helpful for us to perhaps not place so good, leaps up at the opportunity, with The logic seems to work as follows: much emphasis on the „chemical im- no questions asked. Our whole society “You were abused as a child, and now balance,‟ which I believe isn‟t so is caught up in this delusion – the delu- you‟re going through a rough divorce. much the heart of our problem. sion of a substance-addicted junkie. Here‟s some medication to help with I bring up this issue because it I myself an example of one who your chemical imbalance.” So if we can seems like tons of things are happen- came to a psychiatrist with such despera- retranslate that: “You were abused as a ing in the field of neuroscience: we are tion. Being only fifteen at the time, child, now you‟re going through a di- studying those who meditate, and in- when even our internet-savvy-ness was vorce – these events must have triggered deed finding brain changes that occur barely underway (this was in 20001), I your inherited chemical imbalance from during these states. Many other ex- had little knowledge of emotional heal- your mother who was depressed.” Baf- periments on the brain are being con- ing, psychiatry, drugs, or much of the fling? Illogical? Of course. Psychia- ducted with what appears to be reli- informational world for that matter. I trists actually aren‟t dumb enough to ability. And while I take most of these was thrown into a psychiatrist‟s office deny the existence of real-life causes for reports with a grain of salt (hinged on unsuspectingly, indeed hoping for some emotional difficulties, but they are dumb what every foremost brain scientist magical fix to my depressive and obses- enough acknowledge them alongside seems to report: that we don‟t know sive mind states. With a grinning smile some „coincidental‟ chemical imbalance squat about the brain – even with all on her face, as if to enhance the gratifi- that is the impetus for their drugging. our fancy experiments), may it one cation of my fantasy, this doctor told me Digging deep enough, the whole agenda day be possible to show chemical I could start feeling better “today” – fol- in psychiatry so easily crumbles in con- changes in one who is very depressed? lowing a visit to my local pharmacy. tradiction and illogical beliefs. They Sure. I‟m not sure what significance it Boy did that sound good. Yet I was, in will say anything to bust out that pre- would have; a difference in brain fact, not completely ignorant to what was scription pad. chemistry could not in itself be called going on. The idea of a chemical cause Returning to our central issue, what an imbalance – that part is simply sub- came up in our discussion and I inquired, if such neurological changes implied by jective and cultural. But nevertheless, “So where can I get my chemicals the chemical imbalance theory were our critique of psychiatry and psy- tested? I want to know how badly I have shown? What implications would such a choactive medicating cannot be de- the disorder.” To this she responded, in discovery have? In my opinion, it pendent merely on the denial of the most deceptive and dishonest words wouldn‟t give the slightest justification changes in neurochemical alterations. I‟ll never forget, “Well it‟s very hard to to administer drugs to anyone. The first In addition, judging on my ex- get a test done. It takes a lot of high-tech reason is that which I touched on above: perience with psychiatry, both person- equipment. You‟d probably have to that the labeling of anything an imbal- ally and within our culture, the chemi- travel really far.” And so I left it at that, ance is purely subjective. Say someone cal imbalance theory does not mark a walking away in blind belief that there was indeed born with some chemical central part of their regime. This is was something wrong with my genetic predisposition to depression (not that, in indeed hypocritical and deceptive, as makeup. a larger philosophical and spiritual the field often reveals itself to be. The Thus while the „chemical imbal- scope, such a condition could be simply chemical imbalance theory, I think, is ance‟ does have its place in the armor of understood as chemical). The idea that

9 the uniqueness of this person should as marijuana differs in action from co- months in this case – and not without be stamped out because someone‟s caine, and as cocaine differs from LSD – repercussions. This is the point where, if perspective won‟t tolerate it is simply and yet their nature remains utterly simi- you review almost any psychiatric pa- immoral and unethical. All types of lar – so it is with psychiatric medications tient‟s history, the patient is switched to people are born into this world, with in relation to street drugs. There are a new drug. They are often constantly all types of difficulties and peculiari- slight differences in their effects, but the put on every drug in the market, in a ties – most of which, when left alone, heart of the mechanism is the same. never-ending pursuit to find one that turn out to be sources of great success To elaborate: At a particularly low works – when none ever really do. No and triumph. More importantly, the point in the depression that struck my drug proves to be exempt from ineffi- difference between labeling an emo- teens, I took my first hit of ecstasy. My cacy for emotional problems; they sim- tion an “imbalance” and labeling it mood began to lift within about an hour, ply don‟t work. This has become so simply as an emotion, is huge. The and things became very trancelike. Par- clear to me, and I believe it is clinically perception of “this is okay” as op- ticularly loving and blissful feelings clear as well. We simply don‟t want to posed to “this is not okay” is probably came over me, albeit ones that were acknowledge it. the central factor in determining tainted by a distinguishable synthetic, I have brought this up – this clear whether or not one will suffer – in all icky feeling; a false happiness – a „high‟ parallel between psych drugs and other aspects of life. And there is nothing in the utter sense of the word. I ended mood-altering drugs – to several believ- inherent in any emotion that can qual- up drifting into sleep at a point that I ers in psychiatry. “Don‟t you see it as ify it as objectively disordered or don‟t remember, and when I woke up another drug?” I ask, “doesn‟t it just get “imbalanced.” Thus even if lab tests there was hell to pay. Drowning in a you high? I mean what else can it possi- were to show a chemical difference, chemically-induced state of depression, I bly do?”. “No,” they reply, “it just nothing could imply the difference to felt like the ground had been lifted from makes me feel normal.” “But isn‟t that a be an imbalance, and therefore nothing under me. The only solution was to wait high in itself,” I respond back, “feeling could warrant the use of drugs as it out. „normal,‟ higher than you did previ- “treatment.” ously?” This understanding clearly de- Secondly, in the event that there picted my experience, but I seem to have was shown to be such a chemical dif- been unable to get it through to anyone ference in depressed persons, how “This is the point else. What is one‟s idea of normal? Is it might drugs ever help? It seems perfection, where only states of happi- we‟ve learned pretty well as a culture where a patient is ness and pleasure prevail? Is it some that drugs do not fix or aid any emo- fantasy land that we envision „normal‟ tionally difficult problem in an ulti- switched to a new people to be living in? If you walk into mate way. They do the very opposite: any Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics they deceive us into thinking they are drug … in a never Anonymous meeting, in fact, you will helpful due to their short pleasures, find just such a description of drugs and and lead us to pay the price – some- ending pursuit to alcohol. “When I had my first drink,” times it is quite high, as in the case of the common speaker might say, “it was drug addicts. And so we‟ve outlawed find on that works.” like everything was normal again. I felt them, rightfully so I believe, in the like a million bucks, like all my prob- efforts to promote clear-minded living lems had been swept away.” Thus we in our society. So why the sudden tend to have very grandiose ideas about shift when it comes to psychiatric what „normal‟ is. drugs? When I took SSRI antidepressants, The moral of the story is that, the specific effects were different, but whatever drug you turn to – whether it‟s *** not at all in a separate compartment. I crack cocaine or it‟s the newest isomer Here is where we get to the crux noticed a slow lifting in my mood over of Celexa – you cannot get away from of the problem. It is not so much the about a month or two, it was very grad- their ravaging effects. It is as if every chemical imbalance theories that are ual. If I were to describe the nature of grain of chemical pleasure that one ex- the issue, but instead the drugs them- what antidepressants feel like, I would periences from a pill must be paid for – selves. We are completely blindsided similarly say the experience was colored and often paid for painfully. In my ex- by these substances, thinking they are with an icky, synthetic vibe (in compari- perience, and in the experience of many somehow magical concoctions, differ- son to a drug like marijuana, which bore others I‟ve heard from and perceived in, ent from any other high-producing a more organic tone). Most of all, I antidepressants are probably the most drugs. Speaking from six years of would certainly not exclude them from deceptive of all drugs. The creators of miserable experience on virtually the creating a „high‟; an imitative, false hap- these drugs were indeed very clever, in a whole class of SSRI antidepressants, piness. And so while the street drugs most truly harmful and disastrous way. along with dabbling into many of the came on quite quickly, the major differ- Whereas street drugs will often let you common street drugs, I can speak ence I noticed with antidepressants was know their negative sides right away – a quite directly as to the place of psychi- that they came on ever so slowly. But come down, a craving to get more – I‟ve atric drugs within the realm of all just like any other drug, the feeling found the dark side of antidepressants to mood-altering drugs. Simply put, just would be gone in time – after several be much more subtle, yet much more 10 devastating. Horrific side effects will will just throw them completely out of and more painfully they will strike creep up on you (as your psychiatrist wack, out of touch with their feelings. against us. As is evident in any thera- tells you to just endure them), and they It pushes back the issue to be dealt peutic or spiritual setting, our mental will often evolve in a most permanent with at a later date, when the high has phenomena seem to desperately want to way. The nature of these long-acting lost its effect. This is why it is ridicu- be heard. Drugs, be them street drugs or substances is to have long-lasting with- lous to say that someone who is suici- socially-acceptable psychiatric drugs, drawals as well, many times taking dal should be a specific case where counter this to the utmost degree. In years, if ever, to completely subside. antidepressants are ethical and allow- Freud‟s day, it was the issue of repres- Everything from one‟s sex drive, to able. By not addressing the issue, sion that was cited as the cause of most one‟s clarity, to one‟s intimacy in his or antidepressants throw the situation neuroses. When drugs are used, we go her relationships is affected in a lasting into a complete mind-funk. The suici- above and beyond repression. We try to manner – much less receding than the dal person may feel the temporary physically stamp out the emotions we quick-high producing street drugs. calm – just as if they had taken a hit of don‟t like – and the results are evident in The problems with antidepressants ecstasy – but those unpleasant emo- a variety of unpleasant ways. Thus and the other psychiatric drugs go well tions will have their day, and they will whether our emotions are of a chemical beyond side effects, however. While the likely strike much, much more se- nature, or, more realistically, the intri- side effects must not be overlooked verely. Either this or the recipient will cate workings of a vast combination of (because the experience of their disas- find him or herself floating throughout psychological, social, familial, and spiri- trousness is quite greater than how the life in an absent-minded daze, operat- tual factors, drugs can never do more words may appear on paper), the heart of ing on a prescription-drug autopilot. It than cause tremendous harm to the body the matter is that these substances are in is this kind of emotionally-numbed and mind. We must focus not so much fact drugs. They are toxic not only in dullness that I think most Americans on the reasoning behind the drugging, their chemical nature (anything but or- on antidepressants suffer from. They but rather on the fact that there is noth- ganic or natural), but also in their effects are limited in all of body, mind, and ing to be gained in such a treatment – of those suffering with mental difficul- spirit from their true potential and and everything to be lost. ties. The last thing you want to give humanity. anyone who suffers with depression or Our emotions are indeed peculiar anxiety, or even hallucinations or para- in that the more we try to run away **************** noia, is a mind-altering substance. This from them or avoid them, the harder

THE VALUE OF DEPRESSION

By Al Galves, Ph.D.

[Note: This is the first in a series of you. Rather, you are encouraged to get If that is true, let‟s look at some of four articles that explore the meaning, rid of the symptoms as quickly as pos- the symptoms of mental illness and see function and potential usefulness of sible and pay no further attention to how they might be useful to us. Here are states of being which lead people to be them. the symptoms that are used to diagnose diagnosed with mental disorders. The But what if those symptoms had the most common mental illness – de- next three will address mania, anxiety important information for people, in- pression. (Yes folks, the symptoms that and psychosis in that order.] formation they need in order to lead are listed below, and nothing else, are healthy, fulfilling lives? If you be- used by doctors and psychiatrist to diag- The biggest problem with the con- lieve in evolution and natural selection nose clinical depression). You would ventional wisdom about mental illness is you would conclude that the symp- think – considering the conventional that it encourages people to ignore the toms must have some survival value, wisdom about mental illness – that there meaning of the symptoms that are used must be useful in some ways. Were was a more “medical” way of diagnosing to diagnose them. That is a problem they not useful, they would have been depression, a blood test or brain scan. because it deprives people of vital infor- wiped away by natural selection a long But no, the way it is diagnosed is the mation that can help them live more the time ago. After all, human beings have doctor, psychiatrist or other mental way they want to live. The conventional been evolving for about 30 million health professional asks the patient to wisdom about mental illness is that it is years, the estimated time since humans give a self report on the following ques- caused by genetic factors, chemical im- split off from the other members of the tions: balances and brain abnormalities. If you primate family. Any human faculty believe that, you have no interest in ex- which has lasted for 30 million years  Have you felt sad or empty most of ploring the meaning of the symptoms or must be useful to our survival and well the day, nearly every day for the listening to what they may have to tell -being in some way. past two weeks?

11  Have you experienced a markedly tioning, the patient is diagnosed with your clients. It‟s time to quiet down, go diminished interest or pleasure in clinical depression. So if we assume that inside, take a serious look at your life, all, or almost all, activities most of these symptoms must have some sur- get in touch with what is going on. Stop the day, nearly every day for the vival value, how might they be useful? avoiding this by drinking, drugging, past two weeks? What might be going on with a person working, playing, sexing, competing,  Have you experienced significant who is experiencing these symptoms? winning. You need to make some impor- weight loss when not dieting or It sounds as if s/he is very upset tant decisions or, perhaps, accept what is weight gain (a change of more than about something. Something is not going true about you and your life and become 5 % of body weight in a month) or right in her life. Something is threaten- more comfortable with it. You need to increase or decrease in appetite ing her ability to live the way she wants do some inner work.” nearly every day for the past two to live, to love the way she want to love, Perhaps this is a reaction to the loss weeks? to work (express herself) the way she of something that is very precious to us.  Have you experienced insomnia or wants to work. Something precious has It wouldn‟t have to be the loss of a per- hypersomnia son, a job, finan- (excessive cial security or a sleep) nearly relationship. It every day for might be the loss the past two of youth, or cer- w e e k s ? tainty or a sense Have you of comfort. If exerienced something pre- psychomotor cious has been a g i t a t i o n lost, perhaps it ( j i t t e r y , would be healthy jerky, jumpy to spend some stomach) or time experienc- retardation ing the pain of ( s l o w e d that loss. down, slug- How could gish, groggy) the painful ex- nearly every perience of loss day for the be helpful? If I past two believe that all weeks? human faculties  Have you which have sur- felt fatigue vived through or loss of the 30 million e n e r g y Al Galves with Faye Karpouzis, between presentations at the Syracuse conference. years of human nearly every (Photo: Andrew Crosby) evolution have to day for the be useful, that is past two weeks? Have you experi- been lost. He is concerned about his life, an obvious question. And an answer that enced feelings of worthlessness or where it is going. Is it the job, the rela- makes sense comes to me. Loss is useful excessive or inappropriate guilt tionship, the kids, the demands of par- because it tells me what is precious to nearly every day for the past two enting, his social status? He‟s not going me. It tells me what I want to protect and weeks? to live forever. Maybe he needs to do nurture and tells me in a very powerful  Have you experienced diminished something about it. way that I better do what I can to protect ability to think or concentrate, or It sounds as if s/he‟s under a lot of and nurture those precious things. Valu- indecisiveness, nearly every day for stress or, perhaps shutting down after able information indeed. the past two weeks? being under a lot of stress for a long What if depression is a state of being  Have you experienced recurrent time. Perhaps this is the body‟s way of that forces people to take a look at their thoughts of death, recurrent suicidal protecting itself from prolonged stress. social relationships and that gives them ideation without a specific plan, or a There are worse things that could happen impetus to do something about changing suicide attempt or a specific plan for – a heart attack, a stroke, cancer. In fact, them? committing suicide? research has found a strong link between That is the hypothesis of Paul Wat- high levels of stress and depression. son, a behavioral ecologist at the Univer- If the patient responds “Yes” to This sounds like a wake-up call, a mes- sity of New Mexico: “It induces us to be five or more of those questions and if sage that something is not right and attentive to the structure of our social those symptoms are causing significant something needs to be done about it. The network: Who has power? Who has what distress or impairment in social, occupa- body-mind is saying: “Stop doing what opinions? How do these opinions of dif- tional or other important areas of func- you‟re doing. Stop focusing on the outer ferent social partners interact to con- world, on other people, on your spouse, strain or enable us to make changes in 12 life? Depression may have a social plan- Included in that list would be the stress mind. From time immemorial, human ning function which helps us to plan response, alcohol, strychnine and water, beings have been ingesting substances active negotiating strategies in a sober, among others. Perhaps what makes sense that make them feel better. Witness ruminative state so we can go out and is to make a distinction between moder- the use of mescaline, peyote and actively negotiate ourselves into a better ate depression and severe depression. mushrooms by ancient cultures and social position with the people who have Perhaps, keeping severely depressed the use of alcohol, marijuana, cocaine power to help or hinder us.” people from killing themselves, hurting and amphetamines in today‟s world. Edward Hagen, an evolutionary others or falling into permanent disabil- Ingesting a substance is a lot easier biologist, has a similar idea. In the an- ity calls for extreme measures – psycho- than wrestling with one‟s demons and cestral situation, when humans lived in tropic drugs, treatment in psychiatric then having to do something difficult small hunter-gatherer tribes, depression hospitals. and scary in response to the may have had value in compelling other insights gained from that process. people in one‟s life to make changes that Perhaps this is the shadow side were in one‟s interest – to induce the of scientific medicine. Medical re- members of one‟s tribe to come to one‟s searchers and doctors have made some aid. “So how do we miraculous advances. They‟ve con- In his book Care of the Soul, Tho- quered polio, malaria, smallpox and mas Moore has a chapter entitled “Gifts explain the syphilis. They can transplant hearts, of Depression”. Here is one of them: lungs, and kidneys. They‟ve devel- “Depression grants the gift of experience willingness of so oped medicines that reduce the risk of not as a literal fact but as an attitude to- heart disease and stroke. Now, they‟ve ward yourself. You get a sense of having many Americans to developed drugs that cure mental ill- lived through something, of being older ness. At least, that‟s what people have and wiser. You know that life is suffer- use these drugs? been led to believe. In fact, almost all ing, and that knowledge makes a differ- of the psychotropic drugs are only ence. You can‟t enjoy the bouncy, care- Several possibilities slightly more effective than placebo free innocence of youth any longer, a and have very damaging side effects. realization that entails both sadness become to mind.” And, since they don‟t address the fun- cause of the loss, and pleasure in a new damental cause of the symptoms that sense of self-acceptance and self- cause mental illnesses, they don‟t cure knowledge. This awareness of age has a anything. They impair some of the halo of melancholy around it, but it also Balance makes sense. But that‟s most valuable of human faculties. But enjoys a measure of nobility.” not where we are today. Today, more they do appear to be another notch in Medical researcher Antonio Dam- and more people respond to symptoms the gun of scientific medicine. ascio found that people who couldn‟t of moderate depression by ingesting Or maybe this is another exam- feel bad couldn‟t make good use of their antidepressant drugs, drugs which make ple of the cult of professionalism, the reasoning powers. In his book Des- it harder for them to experience the emo- belief that the experts know best. After carte’s Error, he describes his work with tions and thoughts which might be valu- all, they have advanced degrees so people who couldn‟t process feelings able to them. Antidepressants are among they must be very smart. So we put because of lesions in the amygdalas of the five most heavily prescribed drugs in our trust in psychiatrists and other their brains. Not being able to feel bad, the United States. People are going to doctors. If they think these drugs are they were unable to make good decisions psychiatrists and other doctors. The doc- good for us, they must be. The danger about their finances, business practices, tor asks them what is wrong. They say, of both scientific medicine and the cult relationships, etc. They might buy a “I‟m depressed” and the doctor writes a of professionalism is that they may stock and see that it was losing value. prescription. There is no time spent ex- cause us to lose faith in the brilliance But, not feeling bad about it, they ploring what might be going on in the and power of nature, to lose trust in wouldn‟t take any corrective action. person‟s life or how they are responding the ability of our bodyminds to heal But wait a minute. Let‟s not get too to their lives that might explain the themselves and to ignore the valuable sanguine about this. Depression is asso- symptoms. information that our emotions and ciated with suicide. It is a very debilitat- And it‟s not merely that the drugs bodily sensations can provide to us. ing disease. Severe depression keeps keep people from receiving valuable So I might do well to pay atten- people from doing any of the things that information they could use to live hap- tion to these depressive symptoms, to make life worth living – loving, work- pier lives. They also have powerful side- see what I can learn from them and to ing, playing, expressing, enjoying. Let‟s effects, including impairment of sexual use them to become healthier and har- be careful not to make light of a serious functioning and increased risk of vio- dier and to live more the way I want to illness. lence and suicide live. Of course, most of us don‟t have Yes, we need some balance here. and withdrawing from them is much the luxury of taking off two or three Perhaps, depression is like many things harder than we‟ve been lead to believe. days to contemplate our navels. But which are good and useful in moderate So how do we explain the willing- we could find some time during every amounts but dangerous and deathly in ness of so many Americans to use these day to quietly allow ourselves to ex- extreme amounts. drugs? Several possibilities come to perience what is going on inside. We 13 could even take some vacation time or room. swimming, skiing. sick leave to spend several days on it, I would recommend that you spend The bottom line is that I urge you perhaps with the help of friends or a some time just sitting by yourself in qui- to regard the symptoms, no matter how therapist. etness, perhaps using some of the simple painful and debilitating, as a message of If you decide to do that, here are relaxation or meditation exercises that meaning, a message that contains valu- some suggestions. I would recommend you can find on the internet or in various able information that can help you live a that you find a psychotherapist to work books. Just sitting and noticing whatever healthier and more satisfying life. And I with, somebody with whom you feel thoughts or feelings come up and paying encourage you to make an effort to un- comfortable, who you sense will respect some attention to them - not necessarily derstand the meaning of the symptoms you and help you come up with your hanging onto them or doing anything and to use the information they offer to own answers. There is something with them – just noticing them. live more the way you want to live. healthy about being able to say things to I would recommend that you do another human being that you have not some things that are enjoyable – perhaps said to anyone else, to let your hair down reading books or articles that you want and expose yourself, knowing that noth- to read and definitely getting some good **************** ing you say or do will go out of the exercise – running, walking, bicycling,

Movie Review “Take These Broken Wings” A Film by Daniel Mackler, LCSW

Reviewed by Andrew Crosby, MA

Think about this: The phenomena As if that‟s not enough, the rest of problems.” “People who are afraid.” we call schizophrenia has been part of the cast features prominent names from Many sound uncertain: “A mental dis- the human experience probably for as both ICSPP and ISPS (International So- ease?” “Problems in the brain?” A cou- long as humans have been experiencing, ciety for the Psychological Treatment of ple are cool: “Imagine if you had a yet the general population continues to the Schizophrenias) to offer their profes- counter-factual voice in your head telling have little understanding of what it‟s sional views on schizophrenia and its you horrible things about yourself.” about. This is one of the first impres- treatment. These include “Mad in Amer- “They hear voices all the time; I can see sions I garnered upon watching Daniel ica” author Robert Whitaker, Peter Breg- how it can drive ya nuts.” Most, how- Mackler‟s documentary, “Take These gin, Ann-Louise Silver, Bertram Karon, ever, say, “Mental illness.” Broken Wings.” It was the first of and Daniel Dorman himself. There are Mackler flirts with frustrating his many. also effective snippets from Danielle audience at this early juncture, introduc- The film hinges predominantly on Knafo, Al Galves, and Martin Cosgro. ing Penney and Greenberg by splicing in Mackler‟s revealing interviews with for- Adding crucial elements to the con- bits of their interviews rapid fire, phrase mer patients – meaning former schizo- text, however, Mackler also interviewed by phrase at times, with those of the phrenics – Joanne Greenberg and Cath- a hundred or so members of the general Washington Square Park passers-by who erine Penney. It is the rest of the mate- population – at least in so far as visitors serve as a control group of sorts. Rather rial in the film, however, along with in- to New York City‟s Washington Square than frustrate, however, this shows in- numerable deft editing touches, that give Park can be considered so. A hundred? triguing parallels – some congruous, the scenes with Greenberg and Penney you might wonder. As I said, Mackler some not – and hooks the viewer who much of their power. Of course it can be has a point to make. now wants to know what the general argued that they need little help: Green- Bits from the Washington Square public will get right and what they‟ll berg, many will recall, is the author of Park interviews open the film and pro- miss. the autobiographical novel “I Never vide counterpoint throughout. Mackler Parallels – that‟s another impres- Promised You a Rose Garden” while introduces the first topic as a slow pan- sion one picks up on as interview mate- Penney was the subject of “Dante‟s ning shot of the park‟s arch and fountain rial from Peter Breggin, Bert Karon, Cure,” authored by psychiatrist Daniel yield to steady shots of passers by who Robert Whitaker, and others is intro- Dorman, her psychotherapist for some agreed to clip on a microphone and be duced. Now that the film is getting un- eight years. Mackler isn‟t kidding filmed: “When you hear the word derway, the segments are longer, and around; by constructing “Wings” around schizophrenia,” Mackler asks, “what‟s Mackler allows Penney and Greenberg these key players he signals 1) he‟s got a the first thing that comes to your mind?” to stretch out and tell their stories. Both real point to make, and, 2) he knows The responses dance around famil- are spontaneous, articulate, and emi- whose going to help him make it. iar themes. “Somebody with emotional nently likable. Both also seem comfort- 14 able, Penney in her California living without medications. The Washington bumfull” of other stuff to help her (or room and Greenberg on the back porch Square participants are unequivocal make her?) sleep. of her Colorado home. Their narratives here: schizophrenics suffer from A number of other parallels oc- interweave and often overlap, both with “overloaded brain activity” and “a cur in these sections, providing themes one another and with what the experts chemical imbalance,” and medication is and continuity. Greenberg says of her are saying. When Penney describes wit- essential to any degree of stability. work with Fromm-Reichman, “We nessing her stepfather threatening her Robert Whitaker is especially passionate were miners; I had the map, she had mother, she says, “As a small kid seeing in these sections, almost leaping out of the light.” A moment later, Knafo, in that, it just terrifies you.” A moment his chair at times as he details what the her office maybe a thousand miles later, Bert Karon away, explains that advises about many times schizophrenics, “therapists have to “You have to as- carry that hope for sume their life has our patients …We been God awful. have to carry that You also have to light.” Similarly, assume they‟re terri- when discussing the fied.” Al Galves connection she was tells us that “all forging with symptoms are func- Dorman, Penney tional in some way; explains that “he they help protect appealed to the you.” This is after health in me.” Soon Greenberg says, “I afterwards Green- was building a fort,” berg is asked if her and before she says, therapist loved her. “One thing that After a thoughtful schizophrenia does pause, she responds, is it saves you from “She loved the real world trau- health in me.” mas” (immediately A particularly after which she dis- strong segment fol- closes a whopper). lows during which Also in there, outcomes for schizo- Cosgro says that phrenics are dis- Dan Mackler (right) with conference organizer Michael Gilbert, out by the psychosis is “a way cussed. Mackler book tables at the Syracuse conference. (Photo: Andrew Crosby) to distance yourself returns for a stretch from something to rapid fire splicing that‟s so overwhelming.” One gets the “broken brain” and chemical imbalance of Washington Square Park fragments feeling that these distinct, and geo- research actually tells us. He is un- with those of a still revved up Robert graphically distant, voices are unknow- equivocal as well: “This is the crux of Whitaker. The general public‟s con- ingly collaborating on an epic tale. the fraud,” Whitaker explains before sensus is that schizophrenics don‟t Mackler effectively organizes the quoting the deceptions of established recover, and they require medication film into sections covering the early, psychiatry and excitedly concluding, for any semblance of stability. middle, and late stages of Greenberg‟s “They lied to us!” Whitaker shoots these notions to and Penney‟s treatments, during which Breggin, Knafo, and Silver speak to pieces, citing the handful of long term periods of progress and regress are ex- the problems of relying on psychiatric outcome studies that exist which dem- plored. Dorman‟s commentary regard- drugs here as well. Of the many points onstrate that schizophrenics can and ing his side of the powerful therapeutic made is the non-scientific one that when do recover, and that of those who re- relationship with Penney is splendid, and people improve without drugs, they can cover, the vast majority had ceased blends well with Penney‟s. One deeply be certain they did so on their own. taking psychiatric drugs. Why is the wishes that Greenberg‟s therapist, Frieda Greenberg and Penney also discuss their general public unaware of this work? Fromm-Reichmann, were still around to non drug treatments and recoveries, with Whitaker passionately explains, “The give her side things, but Ann-Louise Penney clarifying that Dorman had in- (National Institutes of Mental Health) Silver is competent as her stand-in, of sisted to her parents that she not be given didn‟t promote it! Psychiatry didn‟t sorts, and Greenberg herself offers in- drugs, specifically because he wanted promote it! And they didn‟t promote sights into how Fromm-Reichmann han- her to know that when she got better, she it because it didn‟t tell the story they dled key matters. did so herself. Greenberg, meanwhile, wanted it to.” He adds, “That‟s dis- Just as striking are sections where began her treatment before the first an- honest science. That‟s of a discipline Mackler asks what causes schizophrenia tipsychotic drug was introduced, al- that‟s dishonest, because when they and whether schizophrenics can get by though she reports she did receive “a get results they don‟t want, they don‟t 15 broadcast them to the public.” Galves and Martin Cosgro) were fea- a pond to snuggle safely with its mother. We see Penney‟s and Greenberg‟s tured only briefly early on, then never The image is effective, and pretty damn stories converge again while discussing appear again. Also, some of the footage cute. their post-hospital lives (though they of Robert Whitaker is out of focus – he Mackler also includes an interest- continued with outpatient therapy), when is often so animated that he leans for- ing selection of extras on the DVD, the each, largely recovered, was returning to ward and backward throughout – but his best of which is an interview of himself world the rest of us ostensibly share. energy and enthusiasm more than cover addressing, among other matters, why he Hardly triumphant successes at first, for this. Overall, Mackler appears to made the film and its shortcomings. He each experienced near devastating have prepared substantially for his first really put some thought into “Wings,” blows. Penney failed a semester at col- film making effort. and he will no doubt speak to questions lege while Greenberg, after striving to Mackler also adds several unique the film might raise for you. Extra inter- just be present with people, was told by flourishes. We see photos of Penney and view footage is also included, as are mu- an acquaintance that she seemed “odd” Greenberg as children; relevant seg- sic videos he made for two of his most and “to be not here.” Though each felt ments of Penney‟s hospital records are popular songs (did I mention the guy crushed, they struggled though, in part shown with highlighted phrases; when writes songs?), “Little Bottles” and by relying on the health they‟d devel- Bert Karon talks of how therapists need “Glory Medication.” oped in their relationships with their not be perfect, rather just “try your dam- Finally, you‟ll want to sit through therapists, and with support from others ndest to understand a person,” a halo the closing credits – Greenberg‟s church who‟d become part of their lives. Each, appears over his head. Similarly, during choir sings throughout, and, yes, it‟s it turns out, had indeed rejoined the some of Whitaker‟s material, Mackler beautiful. And at the very end, Mackler world – in defiance of popular belief. inserts question marks and – most appro- shows snippets of the final moments of Across the board the interviews priately – exclamation points beside him. several Washington Square Park inter- feel genuine and spontaneous. Penney Among the most touching of these flour- views as he thanks each participant. and Greenberg are thoughtful and at ishes, however, occurs when Dorman They say the usual, “You‟re welcome,” ease, and all comments by the profes- speaks about when Penney heard voices or “Thank you,” as they unclip their mi- sionals feel extemporaneous and convey telling her to kill him. He said to her, crophones, but Mackler just couldn‟t the complexity of the phenomena under “For you, tenderness can be a horror. It help himself from one last bit of cute- discussion. The result is a film that de- puts you in a position of smallness and ness: Just before the screen goes dark, picts warmth and humanity as well as dependency.” And as he continues dis- one lady, just as she‟s turning away, says tremendous, and worthwhile, struggle. cussing his interpretation of Penney‟s softly, “I hoped I helped you.” Technically there are only minor hallucination as perhaps indicating that glitches, none of which detract from the she is feeling close with him – actually a substance. It was mildly distracting that very good thing – Mackler shows us **************** some of those who were interviewed (Al footage of a duckling scampering across

Editor‟s Notes:

“Take These Broken Wings” is available for $30.00 from Daniel Mackler‟s website, iraresoul.com. You can also check out his music CDs, including the satirical “Songs from the Locked Ward,” which start at $10.00.

Daniel Dorman‟s book, “Dante‟s Cure: A Journey Out of Madness,” (Other Press, New York) was favorably reviewed by Dr. Grace Jackson in the Summer 2005 ICSPP News- letter. It is available from Daniel with Bulletin co-editor Delores Jankovich at the 2009 gala in Syracuse. Amazon and other book sellers. (Photo: Andrew Crosby)

Letter to Ange

How‟s it going in Heaven? Did you finally get your wings? Are you sitting under a rainbow while the golden choir sings? Is your gown long and white? Does your halo glow above your head? Do you ever talk to God every now and then? You‟ll never know how much I miss you, but I‟m glad you‟re where you are. I know that you are up there, every night I whisper to the stars. I guess I can never fathom why he took you when he did. I‟m glad we had some time together; of course, He takes back what He gives. The trick is to cherish all the good while you can, no matter all the heartaches is it ever really that bad? They say you never know what you had until it‟s finally gone… But you see, I never had that much. It was you, and you alone. I‟m looking up, the sky is blue. There‟s just one cloud above. I squint my eyes, a smile appears, I can see you through the sun. I love you, Ange, always will. Maybe I‟ll talk to you soon. And when I go, I‟ll probably never get to Heaven. I don‟t think I‟ve been that good. If you sit with God one more time before I “buy the farm” Tell him please to watch over you. That‟s all I ever want.

You’ll never know …

- Kenn B.

17 A Look At Syracuse 2009

Special Night at the Gala

Neurologist Dr. Fred Baughman Jr. (above, right) was honored for his life- time work against the diagnosis of fake diseases such as ADHD. Here, Peter Breggin speaks of Baughman‟s accomplishments and commitment to ethical practice. (Photo: Robert Sliclen)

Dom Riccio (top, right) was also honored for his long-time commitment to ICSPP, as exemplified by his almost 7-year ten- ure as international executive director. Here, Dom‟s successor, Toby Tyler Wat- son, presents him with a plaque as Dom receives warm and well deserved thanks from the audience. (Photo: Andrew Crosby)

We also had unique entertainment at the Gala as Daniel Mackler (left) performed several tunes from his satirical CD “Songs from the Locked Ward.” Check page 16 for info on how to score yourself a copy or two of the disk, along with Dan‟s documentary film, “Take These Broken Wings.” (Photo: Robert Sliclen) 18 (Left) Dom Riccio was happier than ever while attending his first conference since stepping down as ICSPP‟s executive director. Here, he impresses Carolyn Crowder by offering to carry her books to the next workshop.

(Photo: Andrew Crosby)

(Right) Leo the Therapy Dog attended again, along with his colleague, Eliza- beth the Therapy Human. Leo has now attended more conferences than most members of the ICSPP board of directors.

By the way, look for Elizabeth Root‟s book, “Kids Caught in the Psychiatric Maelstrom: How Pathological Labels and “Therapeutic” Drugs Hurt Chil- dren and Families.”

Also look for Leo‟s upcoming book, “Puppy Prozac: Barking Up the Wrong Tree” available soon.

(Photo: Andrew Crosby)

Tom (Gunfighter) Bratter is ex- cited to chill with Bulletin Editor Andrew (Sorry This Issue is Late) Crosby between sessions in Syra- cuse.

“He‟s a great guy,” Bratter says of Crosby, “and he‟s so much more photogenic than me!”

(Photo: Robert Sliclen)

Whistleblowers

And

Troublemakers

We had no shortage of troublemakers. Above is journalist Allison Bass, author of “Side Effects: A Prosecutor, a Whistleblower, and a Bestselling Antidepressant on Trial.” She spoke about her work exposing GlaxoSmithKline‟s mis- leading practices regarding Paxil. (Photo: Andrew Crosby)

At right is “Pennsylvania Super Lawyer” (for real - that‟s an actual award he‟s won) Stephen Sheller, with Peter Breggin. Sheller spoke about his work which cost Eli Lilly & Co. and Phizer, Inc. billions. (Photo: Robert Sliclen)

And at left we see perennial ICSPP presenter Jim Gottstein.

Jim‟s trouble making has been extensively documented in The ICSPP Bulletin, as well as other publications you may have heard of - The New York Times, for example.

If for some reason you have yet to do so, please do yourself the favor of checking out the many articles and legal documents Jim posts on his website, psychrights.org. (Photo: Robert Sliclen) 20 Jay Joseph (left) between sessions with Gary Kohls. Joseph, author of encyclope- dic works such as “The Gene Illusion” and “The Missing Gene,” spoke about the genetic theories ADHD and au- tism while Kohls, editor of the Preventative Psychiatry Newsletter, addressed what holistic mental health caregiv- ers should know about psychotropic drug withdrawal.

(Photo: Andrew Crosby)

On the left we see Dom Ric- cio, former executive director (former, hence the irrepressi- ble smile) chatting with Bob Folz. Folz is a frequent conference presenter, maintains a private practice, and teaches at the Chicago School of Pro- fessional Psychology. In his spare time, he is editorial manager of our journal, Ethi- cal Human Psychology and Psychiatry.

(Photo: Andrew Crosby)

Susan Parry (left) points out how much more photogenic she thinks Nolene Weatherby- Fell is compared to Brian Kean. (Editor’s Note: We think it’s a tie.)

Weatherby-Fell presented on “Taking the Time to Talk,” while Kean‟s topic this year was “Inclusive Childhood Education.”

(Photo: Andrew Crosby)

21 Photo: Robert Sliclen Photo: Andrew Crosby

Photo: Andrew Crosby Photo: Robert Sliclen

Photo: Andrew Crosby Photo: Andrew Crosby

Clockwise from top left: Our Australian contingent - Brian Kean, Nolene Weathterby-Fell, Faye Karpouzis, and Jock McLaren; Fred Baughman chats at the gala; Stephen and Sandy Sheller, both of whom presented, with Peter and Ginger Breggin; ICSPP resident magician Vince Boehm hypnotizes the gala crowd; presenters Sarah Edmunds and Dave Stein; Bose Ravanel with Brian and Nolene.

22 ICSPP Conference DVDs – Check Them Out

ICSPP conferences are unique. We share and acquire information that can be gleaned from nowhere else, and, perhaps because of this, we share a strong sense of community.

Viewing the DVDs is an excellent way to experience these events if you‟ve been unable to attend, and to re-experience the inspiration you felt if you‟d made the trip. They also offer a valuable way of introducing ICSPP‟s ideals to others. Sharing conference experiences by viewing the DVDs with colleagues is an excellent way of spreading the word and supporting your views.

The order form, with prices, is on page 28. Purchase what you can, or what you find most interesting. You‟ll be surprised at what you‟ve missed … even if you were there.

______

2000 - Psychosocial Solutions vs Psychiatric Drugs: The Ethics and Efficacy of Treating Children and Adults with Brain Disabling Drugs When Science Indicates That Psychoso- cial Approaches are More Effective and Non-Toxic

Peter R. Breggin, M.D. Your Psychiatric Drug May Be Your Problem David Cohen, Ph.D.

Peter R. Breggin. M.D. Psychiatry, Malpractice, & Product Liability Issues Pam Clay, J.D. Donald Farber, J.D. Danny McGlynn, J.D. Michael Mosher, J.D.

Peter R. Breggin, M.D. The Treatment of Deeply Disturbed Children & Adults Kevin McCready, Ph.D. Without Resort to Psychiatric Drugs Loren Mosher, M.D. Tony Stanton, M.D.

Peter Breggin, M.D. Children In Distress: ADHD & Other Diagnoses Ron Hopson, Ph.D.

Tony Stanton, M.D. Working With Very Disturbed & Traumatized Children

Paula Caplan, Ph.D. What is Wrong With Psychiatric Diagnoses? : Biopsychiatry and the DSM

David Cohen, Ph.D. Drugs In Psychiatry As A Socio-Cultural Phenomenon

Gerald Coles, Ph.D. Why We Shouldn‟t Label Our Children ADHD or Learning Disabled David Keirsey, Ph.D.

William Glasser, M.D. Psychoterapy Vs. Drug Therapy With Children

Hon. Marion Crecco New Legislation, Children, and Medication Abuses

Louise Armstrong, Ph.D. And They Call It Help: How Psychiatry Has Failed Our Children

Peter R. Breggin, M.D. Reclaiming Our Children Jake Johnson, Ed.D.

2003 - Treating the Difficult Child: ADHD, Bipolar, and Other Diagnoses: Challenging the Status Quo with Solution Based Therapy

Peter Breggin, M.D. The Biological Basis of Childhood Disorders: The Scientific Facts

David Cohen, Ph.D. New Research on the ADHD Drugs: A Comparative Study of Stimulants

Brian Kean, M.A. The Dangers of Diagnosing Children: Results of the Multi-Modal Treatment Approach Study

Robert Foltz, Ph.D. Bipolar, ADHD and Conduct Disorder: The Diagnostic Dilemma.

Bruce Levine, Ph.D. Common-Sense Solutions for Disruptive Children Without Drugs or Behavioral Manipulation

Dominick Riccio, Ph.D. Family Therapy: The Treatment of Choice for Working with Difficult Children

Kevin McCready, Ph.D. Psychodynamic Therapy with Children and Families

David Stein, Ph.D. A Drug-Free Practical Program for Children Diagnosed with ADHD and Most Other Behavioral Disorders

______

2004 - Critiquing Disease Models of Psychosocial Distress and Implementing Psychosocial Theories and Interventions

Vera Sharav Screening for Mental Illness: The Merger of Eugenics and the Drug Industry

David Healy, M.D. Manufacturing Consensus in Psychopharmacology: The End of Psychiatry as a Science?

Peter Breggin, M.D. Violence Induced by Psychiatric Medications: Cases, Questions, and Contradictions

Brian Kean, Ph.D. The Risk Society and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Critical Social Analysis Concerning the Development and Social Impact of the ADHD Diagnosis

Pam Oatis, M.D. A Pediatric Practice Using no Psychotropic Drugs, and Teaching Peers and Residents to Treat Difficult Children by Asking How and Why

Toby Tyler Watson, Psy.D. The Four False Pillars of Biopsychiatry: Examining the Scientific Facts about the Underlying Assumptions of Biopsychiatry - Chemical Imbalances, Inheritance, Genetics, and Adoption Studies

Laurence Simon, Ph.D. Therapy as Civics: The Patient and Therapist as Citizens

David B. Stein, Ph.D. Parenting and Treating Difficult Teens Without Drugs or Make Believe Disease

Dominick Riccio, Ph.D. The Role of Therapeutic Function of the Father in the Treatment of Difficult and Acting Out Children

Matt Irwin, M.D. Treatment and Reversal of Schizophrenia Without Neuroleptics

George W. Albee, Ph.D. A Radical View of the Causes, Prevention, and Treatment of Mental Disorders

(2004 Continued)

Nadine Lambert, Ph.D. The Contibution of Childhood ADHD, Psychostimulant Exposure, and Problem Behavior to Adolescent and Adult Substance Abuse

Celia Brown and The Continuum of Support: Real Alternatives and Self-Help David Oaks Approaches

Robert Whitaker Anatomy of an Epidemic: The Astonishing Rise of Mental Illness in America

James B. Gottstein, J.D. Psych Rights Legal Campaign Against Forced Drugging and How You Can Participate

Raymond DiGuiseppe, Ph.D. Is Anger Adequately Represented in the DSM?

______

2005 - Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder: Scientific Facts or Scientific Delusions Implications for Theory and Practice

Brian Kohler, MD The Schizophrenias: Brain, Mind, and Culture

Elliot Valenstein, Ph.D. Biochemical Theories of Mental Illness: Some Hard Facts About Soft Science

Laurence Simon, Ph.D. Abnormal Psychology Textbooks: Valid Science or Oppressive Propoganda

Clarence McKenzie, MD Delayed Posttraumatic Stress Disorder from Infancy and the Two Trauma Mechanism

Wiliam Glasser, Ph.D. Defining Mental Health as a Public Health Problem

Peter Breggin, MD Current Trends in Treating Bipolar Disorder in Children and Adults

Dominick Riccio, Ph.D. Why Mental Health Professionals Fail in their Treatment of “Schizophrenic” and “Bipolar” Diagnosed Clients

Bertram Karon, Ph.D. Treating the Severely Disturbed Without the Luxury of Long-Term Hospitalization

Ann Louise Silver, MD Keeping the Spirit and Philosophy of Chestnut Lodge Alive

Grace Jackson, MD Allostatic Loads: Exploring the Long-Term Consequences of Psychiatric Drugs

Daniel Dorman, MD Psychosis as a Fact of the Human Condition

Joseph Glenmullen, MD Misdiagnosing Antidepressant-Induced Decompensation as “Bipolar Disorder”

______

2006 – Mental Health and the Law

Robert Dinerstein, J.D. Human Rights and People with Mental Health Disabilities: The Issue of Capacity

Graham Dukes, MD The Law and Psychiatric Drugs: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Experience

Stefan Kruszewski, MD What Happens When the 1st Amendment Butts Heads with Special Interests

Michael Perlin, J.D. International Human Rights and Civil Disability Cases

Karen Effrem, MD The Origins and Dangers of Child Mental Health Screening

Susan Stefan, J.D. Evolving Views of Psychiatric Evidence

James Gottstein, J.D. A Coordinated Campaign to Successfully Change the Mental Health System

Plenary Legal Panel Prescription Drugs: Civil and Criminal Liability Cases and Concepts Andy Vickery, J.D. Don Farber, J.D. Michael Mosher, J.D. Derek Braslow, J.D.

Grace Jackson, MD Parens Patriae, Parens Inscius: Beware the Dangers of the Incompetent State

Peter Breggin, MD Medication Spellbinding (Iatrogenic Anosognosia): A New Concept

Joseph Glenmullen, MD SSRIs, Akathisia, and Suicidality: The History of the FDA‟s 2005 Black Box Warning on Antidepressant-Induced Suicidality

Thomas Bratter, Ed.D. When Psychotherapy Becomes a War: Working with Gifted, Alienated, Angry Adolescents Who Engage in Self-Destructive and Dangerous Behavior

Tina Minkowitz, J.D. Remaking Human Rights: Advocacy by Users and Survivors of Psychiatry

Anne Marsden You Decide Who Decides – Yeah Right!

______

26 2007 – Universal Mental Health Screening And Drugging of our Children

Fred Baughman, MD Who Killed Rebecca Riley?

Grace Jackson, MD Chemo Brain – A Psychiatric Drug Phenomenon

Karen Effrem, MD Universal Mental Health Screening: The Facts

Robert Folz, Ph.D Treating Mood Disorders in Youth: Understanding the Evidence

Peter Breggin, MD The Truth about Bipolar Disorder

David Oaks I was a College Student Mental Patient: How Psychiatric Survivors and Mental Health Profes- sionals can Unite for a Nonviolent Revolution in Youth Mental Health Care.

Vera Sharav America‟s Children Need a Child Rescue Operation

Jeffrey Lacasse, MSW and Consumer Advertising of Psychiatric Medications: Lessons Learned Jonathan Leo, Ph.D. and Future Challenges

Joanna Moncrieff, MD Deconstructing the Chemical Imbalance and Justifications for Drug Treatment

Maurine Kelly, Ph.D. The Trials (and Tribulations) of One Therapist‟s Struggles to Provide Effective Psychotherapy to Children on Psychotropic Medications

Johanna Tabin, Ph.D. Psychoanalytic Understanding of Why ADHD Behavior Occurs

Debose Ravenel, MD Common Behavioral and Learning Problems in Children -An Alternative Approach: A Pediatri- cian‟s Perspective

James Gottstein, J.D. The Psychiatric Drugging of America‟s Children: Legal Rights of Children and Parents

David Stein, Ph.D. Weaknesses in Psychologist Training: Why Low Treatment Efficacies and Invalid Tests

Michael Valentine, Ph.D. Analysis of Actual Adult-Child Interaction and Communication Patterns that are a Drug Free Alternative to the Medical Model‟s View of ADHD

Dominick Riccio, Ph.D. Common Sense and Integrity in Psychotherapy when Working with Children and Families

David Keirsey, Ph.D. How to Help Troubled and Troublesome Kids in School and How to Stop the Criminal Behavior of 21st Century Psychiatrists

Plenary Panel: Brian Kean, Ph.D. Whose Disorder is it? Protecting Normal Children: Preventing James Tucker, Ph.D. Bullying and Creating Effective Learning Environments Noelene Weatherby-Fell Without the use of Psychiatric Diagnoses and Drugs Thomas Cushman, Ph.D. Dorothy Cassidy, M.Ed.

27 ICSPP Conference DVD Order Form

DVDs Sold Only in Complete Sets

Send order form with check (made out to “ICSPP Conference DVDs”) or credit card information to:

ICSPP Conference DVDs Dominic Riccio, Ph.D. 1036 Park Avenue, Suite 1B New York, NY, 10028

Name:______Address:______City:______State:______Zip:______Telephone:______Credit card: Visa___ Mastercard___American Express___Discover____

Credit card #______

Expiration date: MM/YY____/____

ORDER: 15% Discount Quantity______2000 Conference x $100.00 = ______For Quantity______2003 Conference x $200.00 = ______ICSPPP Quantity______2004 Conference x $200.00 = ______Members!

Quantity______2005 Conference x $200.00 = ______

Quantity______2006 Conference x $200.00 = ______

Quantity______2007 Conference x $200.00= ______

Total = ______

Less 15% ICSPP paid member discount = -______

Add $10.00 shipping and handling + $10.00* ($50.00 Foreign Orders) (From outside the US, please add $50.00 for P&H.)

Final total due = ______

OVER THREE DECADES OF ICSPP ACCOMPLISHMENTS

 Stopping the worldwide resurgence of lobotomy and psychosurgery on adults and children, and all psychosurgery in federal and state institutions.

 The creation of a federal Psychosurgery Commission by Congress (1970's)

 Alerting professionals to the dangers of tardive dyskinesia in children (1983). Tardive dyskinesia is a potentially devastating neurological disorder caused by neuroleptic or antipsychotic drugs.

 Alerting professionals to the dangers of dementia produced by long-term neuroleptic drug use (1983).

 Motivating the FDA to force the drug companies to put a new class warning of tardive dyskinesia on their labels for neuroleptic drugs (1985).

 The withdrawal of a large multi-agency federal program to perform dangerous invasive experiments in inner-city kids in search of supposed genetic and biochemical causes of violence (the violence initiative) (early 1990's).

 The initial cancellation and later modification of a potentially racist federally sponsored conference on the genetics of violence (early 1990's).

 Alerting the profession to danger of down-regulation and dangerous withdrawal reactions from the new SSRI antidepressants such as Prozac, Zoloft, and Paxil (1992-4).

 Monitoring, and at times modifying or stopping unethical, hazardous experimental research on children (1973-present).

 Encouraging that NIH Consensus Development Conference on Diagnosis and Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder to raise serious concerns about "ADHD" and stimulants for children.

While each of these critiques and reform projects was initially considered highly controversial, and while each was frequently opposed by organized psychiatry, most are now widely accepted as rational, ethical, and scientific. For example, Psychosurgery is no longer widely practiced and not at all in state or federal institutions or on children in the United States; the multi-agency federal program aimed at using invasive biological procedures on inner-city children has been disbanded; the conference on the genetics of violence was delayed and then vastly modified; all experts now recognize the dangers of tardive dyskinesia in children; many re- searchers have confirmed that the neuroleptic drugs produce dementia, and experienced doctors now recognize the potential for dangerous withdrawal effects from the SSRIs.

Please become a member. Use the form on the following page and mail a $100 check or money order (U.S. funds - $110 U.S. dollars if mailing address is international). Check or money order should be made out to ICSPP. An additional tax-deductible donation can be added, and would be deeply appreciated.

29 ICSPP MEMBERSHIP FORM 2010

ICSPP is a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization. We are a volunteer organization with no officers receiving salaries or other financial benefits. All annual memberships in ICSPP includes our ICSPP Newsletter, and other mailings, and helps us to continue to respond to the hundreds of information queries we receive from the public, the media, and concerned professionals. All members have the satisfaction of supporting our mental health reform efforts as described in our Mission Statement. Our journal, Ethical Human Psychology & Psychiatry, is vital to those who seek to read, write, and publish on issues critical to institutional psychiatry as well as to the life of ICSPP as a scientific and educational institution.

___ $100 for U.S. MEMBERSHIP or $110 US if International Address. This includes a ONE YEAR’S SUBSCRIPTION to EHPP

___ $50 for Membership for U.S. residents ___ $60 US for Membership with International address

___ $15 Membership for students and for individuals with hardship situations

___ SUBSCRIPTION ONLY to EHPP is $75 for U.S. residents and $110 US for International addresses.

Name ______

Address ______

City ______State ______Zip Code______Country ______

E-mail ______Phone______

Billing Address (if different from above)______

Credit Card No. ______Expiration Date: ______

Master Card___ Visa____ American Express____ Discover Card____

Signature: ______

I am also enclosing a tax-deductible donation of $ ______. (A receipt will be sent to you.)

How did you hear about us? ______

Psychotherapy Referral Source: If you are a licensed clinician who subscribes to the ICSPP philosophy (see our Mission Statement on the ICSPP website) and are interested in receiving referrals, please check here _____ and in- dicate the state in which you are licensed ______.

_____ Check here if you are interested in joining the ISCPP Online Discussion Group.

Complete this form and credit card info or write check or money order to ICSPP and send to:

ICSPP - Membership Office Dr. Toby Tyler Watson 2808 Kohler Drive Sheboygan, Wisconsin 53081 U S A

ICSPP Offices and Directors Around the World

International and Executive Director Emeritus North American Offices Dominick Riccio, Ph.D. 1036 Park Avenue, Suite 1B New York, N.Y. 10028 (212) 861-7400 International Executive Director Toby Tyler Watson, Psy.D. Founder and Director Emeritus 2808 Kohler Drive Peter Breggin, M.D. Sheboygan, WI 53081 101 East State Street, PBM 112 (920) 457-9192 Ithaca, N.Y. 14850-5543

Past National Director United States Regional Director Ginger Ross Breggin Lloyd Ross, Ph.D. 101 East State Street, PBM 112 27 North Broad Street Ithaca, N.Y. 14850-5543 Ridgewood, N.J. 07450 (201) 445-0280 Regional Offices

Ethical Human Psychology and Psychiatry: A Journal of Critical Inquiry USA-CSPP Southwest Susan Parry. Robert Foltz, Psy.D. - Managing Editor 5044 Silver King Road Brian Kean, Ph.D. - Editor Las Cruces, N.M. 88011 James Tucker, Ph.D. - Editor (505) 522-0661 Leighton Whitaker, Ph.D. - Editor

USA-CSPP Great Lakes Toby Tyler Watson, Psy.D. ICSPP Bulletin Staff 2808 Kohler Memorial Drive Andrew Crosby, MA - Editor Sheboygan, WI 53081 333 Second Ave. Apt. 20 (920) 457-9192 Lyndhurst, N.J. 07071 [email protected] [email protected]

USA-CSPP Mid-Atlantic Delores Jankovich, MA, LMSW - Co-editor David Stein, Ph.D. 8402 Lowell Avenue Virginia State University Overland Park, Kansas 66212 Criminal Justice, 201 Colson Hall [email protected] Petersburg, VA 23806

(804) 395-2322

ICSPP Website Coordinator USA-CSPP New England Maria Mangicaro Emmy Rainwalker 11529 Lounds Court 187 Merriam Hill Road New Port Richey, Fla. 34654 Greenville, NH 03048 [email protected] (603) 878-3362 [email protected]

Return Address: NON-PROFIT US Postage Andrew Crosby PAID 333 Second Avenue Apt. 20 Permit # 1040 Lyndhurst, New Jersey 07071 Leesburg, FL 34748

Regional Offices (Continued)

USA-CSPP Northeast CSPP Switzerland Lloyd Ross, Ph.D. Piet Westdijk, Dr. Med. [M.D.] 27 North Broad Street FMH Psychiatry & Child Development Psychotherapy Ridgewood, New Jersey 07450 FMH Child Psychiatry & Child Psychotherapy (201) 445-0280 Sattelgasse 4, CH-4051 Basel, Switzerland (41) 61 262 22222

CSPP Australia Brian Kean, Ph.D. Lecturer in Education CSPP South America Southern Cross University Alberto Ferguson, M.D. PO Box 157, Linsmore, NSW, 2480 Av. 82, No. 9-86, Apt. 402 Australia Bogota, Columbia, S.A. (066) 262-42330 (11)(571) 636-9050 U.S. Address: 4405 N. 73rd Avenue Miami, FL CSPP Belgium 33166-6400 Phillip Hennaux, M.D. Medical Director, La Piece 71 Rue Hotel Des Monnaies CSPP Great Britain 1061 Buxelles, Belgium Joanna Moncrieff, MD 2-646-96-01 Mascalls Park, Mascalls Lane Brentwood, Essex CM14 5HQ UK [email protected]