Madness Contested by Steven Coles
This book contests how both society and Mental Health Services conceptualise and respond to madness. Despite sustained criticisms from academia, survivor groups and practitioners, the bio-genetic model of madness prevails and therefore shapes our very notions of what madness is, who the mad are and how to respond. This dominant yet narrow view, at the heart of the psychiatric system, is misinformed and misleading as well as fraught with tensions between the provision of care and the function of social control. How and why does this system continue? What can be done to change it? Encompassing both academic analysis and practical application, Madness Contested brings together nurses, service-users, psychiatrists, psychologists, practitioners, and academics who promote alternative ways to understand and approach madness. Their contributions debate questions such as: What are the processes and forms of power involved in the current system? What interests are at play in maintaining dominant theories and practices? What are the alternative conceptualizations of madness? Can practice incorporate openness, modesty and a desire for equality? The perspectives are broad yet complimentary.Contributors include Peter Beresford, Mary Boyle, John Cromby, Jacqui Dillon, Dave Harper, Eleanor Longden, Midlands Psychology group, Joanna Moncrieff, David Pilgrim, Phil Thomas and Jan Wallcraft.
This impressive volume not only comprehensively critiques the simplistic, pessimistic medical model that dominates the mental health world, but provides an array of exciting exceptions and alternativesA must read for all interested in creating more effective, humane, evidence-based approaches to madness. Professor John Read, University of Auckland Madness Contested is a thought-provoking, informed manifesto for rethinking what we call madness and how best to treat such psychiatric distress. As the writers of this book convincingly argue, science, philosophy, and the lived experience of those who have known such states all tell of how our current medical model of madness fails us, and of the benefit that could come from a reconceptualization of what it means to be mad. Robert Whitaker, Journalist and author of Mad in America and Anatomy of an Epidemic This inspiring collection of essays is a welcome addition to the growing literature on critical and alternative approaches to psychiatry. The authors, some well-known and some speaking out for the first time, cover topics ranging from the experience of taking neuroleptics to new ways of understanding paranoia - The book is particularly strong on service user perspectives and projects. In fact, there is something for everyone here - it is unfailingly lively, challenging and thought-provoking. Lucy Johnstone, Clinical Psychologist and author of Users and Abusers of Psychiatry.
Steven Coles is a Clinical Psychologist in adult mental health services in Nottingham. He is questioning of how power is used and misused within mental health services and society. The stories recounted to him of fear, misery and madness has helped him to understand the social and material nature of these experiences; as well as how current cultural values and morality shape the responses of society and mental health services. Steven attempts to bring issues of power, the social - material world and ethics to the forefront of his role, including publications, debates, conferences, as well as sharing and reflecting on ideas with staff, people within services and those outside the organisation. Sarah Keenan is a clinical psychologist working in Nottingham city community mental health services with people who experience enduring mental health difficulties. Sarah's previous publications and clinical interests focus on how social context influences distress, and how and why these influences and expressions of distress are often medicalised or minimised within mental health services. Sarah has also taken an active role in helping to bring people together who have experiences of mental health services to share knowledge and support each other through informal meetings, formal debates on key issues and the successful Psychosis in Context conference series. Bob Diamond is a Clinical Psychologist and Mental Health Advisor currently working in Higher Education. He is interested in enduring mental health difficulties and drawing on the ideas and practice from critical and community psychology. When previously working in adult mental health services, he sought to establish a psychological presence whilst questioning the oppressive dominance of psychiatry. He advocates more personally meaningful supportive services that acknowledge and where possible address historical, material and social injustices. He is a member of the Midlands Psychology Group.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9781906254438 |
| ISBN 10 | 1906254435 |
| Title | Madness Contested |
| Author | Steven Coles |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Paperback |
| Publisher | PCCS Books |
| Year published | 2013-02-28 |
| Number of pages | 280 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |