James has come up with a series of small changes that people can make to their daily lives (Image: Supplied) I've read several books that incorporate or focus on the issues in psychiatry, but this is definitely among my favourites. The book is thought provoking, easy to read, and it challenges what you think we know about psychiatry. I wouldn't say I am convinced by everything in the book, but it certainly brought to light just how far removed psychological research is from the way it is practiced with patients and understood by the public. Essentially, my take on this book is that the author points a dammning finger at the psychiatric profession and the drug companies that support them. James Davies is a qualified psychotherapist and has worked with the British NHS. He has a Phd in medical and social anthropology (whatever that actually is). Well I actually googled his thesis and found an interesting interview with him (see: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/bl...) and this is what he has to say about his thesis:

Who bites the hand that feeds? There is a huge cover-up, smoke and mirrors going on in the world of funding ‘research’ into psychiatric medicine whether in academic institutions, or with clinicians. And, gentle reader, there is even less transparency over this in the UK than there is in the States, where under the Obama administration, spearheaded by a particularly truth-and-justice campaigning Senator, Senator Grassley, some efforts to bring the Pharma hyena under the spotlight are beginning to bear fruit. But not here, where there is murk a plenty. Perhaps though, the fact that fully 56% of the panel member luminaries involved in writing the DSM-IV bible had 1 or more financial associations with the pharmaceutical industry, should begin to rip the wool from over our eyes. And, for those writing/creating the diagnostic categories, which would or course be primarily treated by pharmaceuticals, - 88% of DSM-IV panel members had drug company financial ties.from Big Pharma. And things don’t have appeared to have changed for the better in terms of ‘arms length’ involvement with the writing of the now current DSM-V. I can't believe that drug companies can have this type of relationship with health professionals--effectively paying them to use and aggressively promote their products to patients. Of course, the professionals are then going to prescribe these drugs, no one is immune to this kind of monetary temptation. Humming can help relax the mind and body by reducing stress levels and lowering our heart rate and blood pressure.Improve your wellbeing with exercises expertly designed to optimise your body. Enhance your health and mobility by understanding common conditions from arthritis and muscle strains, to IBS and stress, and empower yourself with the knowledge you need to achieve full-body health.

After decades of trying to prove [the chemical imbalance theory], researchers have still come up empty-handed.’The theory is that the psychiatric illness is caused by some sort of imbalance in brain chemistry and the drugs will correct this imbalance. However, the imbalance has never been shown to exist. Even in the case of depression the evidence is pretty clear ...as the following citation indicates: James trained at the British School of Osteopathy, studied Massage and Sports injuries at the London School of Massage, Tecar Therapy in Italy, Tok Sen in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and is a noted authority on laser therapy, dry needling and acupuncture, and cupping. My favourite tip is to be kind to your body. Try to find something you can do daily to relax and clear your mind. It can be as simple as going outside and looking up at the stars or lying down and taking some deep breaths. Relaxing in this way enables our 'rest and digest' mode to do its vital work. Having played just eight games for Scarlets since September, he's watched his side endure a turbulent campaign.

Making matters worse, his discussion of epigenetics was abysmal. He clearly had a limited understanding of how genes work and how epigenetic modifications of genes work, which is a shame because there is an interesting discussion to be had about how epigenetics (methylation of chromatin and RNA snippets) contribute to expression of various genes. Not all genes are the same. Some are more fixed and some are more vulnerable to epigenetic/external modification. Also, it isn't yet well understood how epigenetics affects many mental health issues. Researchers are just beginning to parse all of that. His discussion was far too simplified. The same is true for his entire discussion of the biological basis for behavior. I tried to look up his education but didn't readily find anything. If he was educated in the sciences, it must have been a long time ago. I was stunned by how bad his biological basis of behavior section was. c) The training of future psychiatrists must install greater awareness of psychiatry's scientific failings and current excesses as well as how to manage patients outside the medical model. I just want to play. I enjoy being out there in the week... but the fun part for me is being out there on Saturday with the boys."They crashed out of Europe winless and are at risk of failing to make the play-offs and qualifying for next season's Champions Cup. There are no other parties involved. The separation was just due to the strain of two high-profile people leading busy careers and not having enough time together." I surely cannot recommend this book. To read books that take down psychiatry, I would instead read something more like the following: This also depends on whether you have any other conditions to consider. Shoulder pain, sleep apnoea and acid reflux can also be aided or aggravated by your sleeping position. Pamper your Body Davies' writing here is excellent. He writes with an easy and engaging style that easily holds the reader's attention. And despite fielding some technical subject matter, Davies presents this content in a manner that will be accessible to even the scientifically illiterate layperson. Points to the author here for this effective communication.