Oh thank you so much for standing up for truth!!! This needs to be shared far and wide to all believers who blindly accept what Berger shares in his book. I read the book from cover to cover often looking up the sources he shares from because I was familiar with some of the Drs that Berger was quoting and knew they were staunch supporters of those suffering with schizophrenia. Berger includes quotes from Dr. E. Fuller Torrey, Dr Henry Nasrallah (of CureSZ), Dr Nassir Ghaemi, etc. I was shocked at the misrepresentations. Also, many times Berger is quoting from comments that were made about the DSM in general which may be true, but if you read the full articles the authors clearly weren't referring to severe mental illnesses such as schizophrenia which is what Berger's book is about.
I was also surprised that the entire book seemed solely focused on the symptom of psychosis when true schizophrenia encompasses so much more - the cognitive issues, memory issues, negative symptoms, etc.
I'm so very thankful for the writings of Dr. Charles Hodges who understands this dreadful illness that my grandmother and uncle lived with and my dear son is currently living with. We've seen first hand the benefits of proper treatment/medication and we are very thankful to the Lord for it!
Thanks for an informative article. My mother had schizophrenia, and I never really knew her. I'm currently under contract for a book that involves interviewing family members of those with SMI. My premise is that psychiatric patients cannot be treated in isolation--family members are integral to treatment. I've completed interviews and am beginning research to form recommendations for policymakers. Can you suggest sources that might be useful in supporting my thesis?
I thought of a few other resources: Schizophrenia & Psychosis Action Alliance. They've done studies but I'm not certain if it pertains to your work. https://sczaction.org/
Then of course, Treatment Advocacy Center has a library of resources and reports. But you may already be familiar with these.
I love this, it’s so needed. I can’t think of any specific to your thesis. Sounds like it is groundbreaking and I agree with you. Have you read DJ Jaffe’s book, “Insane Consequences, How the Mental Health Industry Fails the Mentally Ill?” There might be something in there you can use.
Thanks. I have not read that book but I will look it up. The stories I've collected will form most of the evidence, but I hope to also cite outside references. The stories I've heard are mostly heartbreaking, but it depends on the severity of the illness involved. The greatest frustration I hear is that due to HIPAA, many family members are shut out of their loved one's care completely. Some don't even know the names of the mental health professionals their children, sibling, or partner are working with. That's fine if the treated individual is capable of making informed decisions, but when they're not, it can be devastating for family members. All best to you.
Wow, this is a great article shining a light on the prejudices many mainstream Christian thought leaders seem to have against SMI. It makes me ever frustrated to hear so many try to address mental health in the context of Christianity, and yet leave out the realities of the sickest of the sick, whom we are called to care for (the least of these). Prayer and faith in one hand, and my antipsychotic meds in the other!
Thank you! Thank you for speaking out and sharing this. We have a very close loved one with schizophrenia.
As a Biblical Counselor (ABC), I have been so disturbed by comments and podcasts by other Believers dismissing the heartache and reality of SMI (Serious Mental Illness). The journey is hard for those who are suffering and those who are care takers. Thank you for sharing Faith based resources as well!
I help moms and family members walk this road with their loved one. ❤️
Oh thank you so much for standing up for truth!!! This needs to be shared far and wide to all believers who blindly accept what Berger shares in his book. I read the book from cover to cover often looking up the sources he shares from because I was familiar with some of the Drs that Berger was quoting and knew they were staunch supporters of those suffering with schizophrenia. Berger includes quotes from Dr. E. Fuller Torrey, Dr Henry Nasrallah (of CureSZ), Dr Nassir Ghaemi, etc. I was shocked at the misrepresentations. Also, many times Berger is quoting from comments that were made about the DSM in general which may be true, but if you read the full articles the authors clearly weren't referring to severe mental illnesses such as schizophrenia which is what Berger's book is about.
I was also surprised that the entire book seemed solely focused on the symptom of psychosis when true schizophrenia encompasses so much more - the cognitive issues, memory issues, negative symptoms, etc.
I'm so very thankful for the writings of Dr. Charles Hodges who understands this dreadful illness that my grandmother and uncle lived with and my dear son is currently living with. We've seen first hand the benefits of proper treatment/medication and we are very thankful to the Lord for it!
Oh my goodness, you read the whole book? Much respect! Would you consider writing up a review of it? I would love to share and promote. Thank you!
Thanks for an informative article. My mother had schizophrenia, and I never really knew her. I'm currently under contract for a book that involves interviewing family members of those with SMI. My premise is that psychiatric patients cannot be treated in isolation--family members are integral to treatment. I've completed interviews and am beginning research to form recommendations for policymakers. Can you suggest sources that might be useful in supporting my thesis?
I thought of a few other resources: Schizophrenia & Psychosis Action Alliance. They've done studies but I'm not certain if it pertains to your work. https://sczaction.org/
Then of course, Treatment Advocacy Center has a library of resources and reports. But you may already be familiar with these.
Thanks so much! I appreciate your Substack pieces. In case you're interested, here's a link to my project description. https://janiceairhart.com/your-story-matters/
I love this, it’s so needed. I can’t think of any specific to your thesis. Sounds like it is groundbreaking and I agree with you. Have you read DJ Jaffe’s book, “Insane Consequences, How the Mental Health Industry Fails the Mentally Ill?” There might be something in there you can use.
Thanks. I have not read that book but I will look it up. The stories I've collected will form most of the evidence, but I hope to also cite outside references. The stories I've heard are mostly heartbreaking, but it depends on the severity of the illness involved. The greatest frustration I hear is that due to HIPAA, many family members are shut out of their loved one's care completely. Some don't even know the names of the mental health professionals their children, sibling, or partner are working with. That's fine if the treated individual is capable of making informed decisions, but when they're not, it can be devastating for family members. All best to you.
Wow, this is a great article shining a light on the prejudices many mainstream Christian thought leaders seem to have against SMI. It makes me ever frustrated to hear so many try to address mental health in the context of Christianity, and yet leave out the realities of the sickest of the sick, whom we are called to care for (the least of these). Prayer and faith in one hand, and my antipsychotic meds in the other!
Thank you! Thank you for speaking out and sharing this. We have a very close loved one with schizophrenia.
As a Biblical Counselor (ABC), I have been so disturbed by comments and podcasts by other Believers dismissing the heartache and reality of SMI (Serious Mental Illness). The journey is hard for those who are suffering and those who are care takers. Thank you for sharing Faith based resources as well!
I help moms and family members walk this road with their loved one. ❤️
Awesome, well-researched and well-reasoned rebuttal, Deb