Anatomy of an Epidemic

Listener Reviews

1. 5.0(1)

   Eye-opening book to fuel thought towards psychiatric drugs and their use

   Wow - this book was fantastic at teaching the reader about the history of psychiatry in the United States as it pertains to pharmaceuticals and prescribing practice. While I think there is absolutely a place for psychiatric drugs, author Robert Whitaker makes a compelling and well-researched case for their judicial and time-limited use in most cases. For anyone who has ever been offered or prescribed a psychiatric medication or loves someone who has, this book is an eye opening must-read.

   Jasmin Barnard · February 20, 2025

2. 5.0(1)

   Must Read!

   This was an eye openning book. If you are a fan of thorough research, you must check this out. The way Gary Taubes has changed the way I look at food, he has changed my view of a powerful class of drugs capable of changing brain chemistry. Thank you for telling this history.

   LAWRENCE W. GOLD · November 4, 2024

3. 5.0(1)

   This is a must read.

   This book is filled with facts and timelines that tell a very sad but true story. Well organized and powerful- I will recommend this to friends.

   Lesly Chen · May 31, 2024

4. 5.0(1)

   PHARMACEUTICAL corruption started long ago.

   It amazes me how the majority of individuals, during THESE modern times with unnumbered accounts of pharmaceutical companies corruption, knowingly and partnered w modern medical providers, and how they included government in their trillion dollar business.

   Rylie Ricks · April 29, 2023

5. 5.0(1)

   So glad I read this!

   I am so glad that I read this during my training to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner. yes, it does lean heavily toward one side but I wouldn't say that it is strongly antipsychiatric. Rather it calls I to question some very reasonable examples of the assumptions to psychiatric care. that seems reasonable given the deceptive, money injected history of psychiatry over the last few decades as detailed in the book. I strongly recommend this read to anyone who is taking, is considering taking, or prescribes psychiatric medications. If for any reason but to develop a balanced perspective.

   Skyler Langley · December 31, 2022

6. 5.0(1)

   I had no idea

   This audio book is loaded with facts, data and information about the current epidemic of mental illness. 3.5 million children on Ritalin; 250 people a day going on Social Security Disability for various mental health issues. The solution has been to use truckloads of pharmaceuticals to control behavior or provide relief. The author presents a very convincing case that our systematic overdosing on these drugs is exacerbating a problem, indeed turning young children who act out in school into drugged young adults who, in some cases, have a life long dependency problem.

   Until 1960 most of the modern psychological diseases that are prevalent in the US did not exist. Once big pharma ( the people who fill the evening news with chemical solutions for what ever ails you) cranked up its marketing machine it became essential for many of us to find the "right" pill.

   This is an important book for anyone who has children or friend/relatives who may be taking or considering modern psychotropic drugs. This book makes a compelling case that the cure may be worse than the disease.

   elemarteacher · August 10, 2022

7. 5.0(1)

   Utterly fascinating & most important

   This is such an important book. I wish all of America could read it. And, it is so well written with many interesting stories. I give it the highest recommendation!

   Kira Daly · July 9, 2022

8. 5.0(1)

   A must read.

   Even if you don't take an antidepressant, antianxiety or antipyschotic drug, you probably know someone who does. That is how widespread their use has become. Thus, the information in this book is essential. The truth is beginning to come out - this book is another important additon. It is comprehensive - so that if you haven't already read or heard about the problem, it is all presented here. And if you have heard about it, read it anyway because it contains important history, statistics, research and names. You won't be disappointed and it may change your life or the life of someone you care about.

   Ashly Pierre · August 7, 2020