Psychiatry in Crisis: At the Crossroads of Social Sciences, the Humanities, and Neuroscience

The field of academic psychiatry is in crisis, with questions about its definition, theoretical basis, and relationship to medicine. This volume offers a critical survey of the history of modern psychiatry, with transdisciplinary readings of the literature and practices by two professors of psychiatry. It concludes with a dialogue between the authors to explore the theoretical, research, and practical implications of the crisis, outlining areas of divergence, consensus, and fruitful collaborations for revision psychiatry today.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 174 pages
Publication date: 04 February 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

The field of academic psychiatry faces a profound crisis that transcends mere concerns about resources, competing claims, and differing levels of development across countries. It is an issue that goes to the core of psychiatry's definition and theoretical foundation. The questions at the heart of this crisis include whether psychiatry should be considered a social science like psychology or anthropology, a humanities discipline like philosophy, history, and literature, or if it should align itself more closely with medicine, drawing upon genetics and neuroscience.

This ongoing debate has been a central theme in modern psychiatry since its inception. One of the central questions is whether psychiatry can truly be considered a branch of medicine, or if it possesses a distinct identity that sets it apart. This unique and thought-provoking volume provides a comprehensive and critical survey of the history of modern psychiatry, complemented by insightful transdisciplinary readings of the literature and practices of the field by two esteemed professors of psychiatry.

The two authors, who have extensive experience in both clinical practice and research, approach the topic from different perspectives, presenting contrasting arguments for the future of psychiatry in alternating chapters. Through their dialogue, they delve into the theoretical, research, and practical implications of psychiatry's current crisis, identifying areas of divergence, consensus, and potential collaborations for revising and reshaping the field.

The volume is meticulously documented, providing a wealth of information and references for scholars and practitioners alike. However, it is written in an accessible language, making it accessible to students and practitioners in the social and human sciences. Additionally, the book includes concise summaries of key areas of theory, research, and practice, making it an invaluable resource for those seeking to understand the complexities of academic psychiatry.

In conclusion, the field of academic psychiatry is in a state of crisis, but this volume offers a valuable contribution to understanding and addressing the challenges facing the field. By presenting contrasting perspectives and fostering dialogue, it provides a roadmap for revising and reshaping psychiatry to better serve the needs of individuals and society.

Weight: 314g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030551421
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021