Rates of diagnosis of psychiatric disorders in children have shot up in recent years. So too has the prescription of antidepressant and antipsychotic drugs and stimulants. Yet the diagnoses are based on weak science, questionable research and powerful financial incentives. Sami Timimi questions why.
A New Approach to Understanding Distress and Neurodiversity
Dr. Sami Timimi examines the increasing diagnoses of ADHD and autism, questioning the normalization of medicalizing behaviors that may be typical in different cultures. He critiques the commodification of distress by pharmaceutical companies and the media, urging a re-evaluation of how society perceives and treats emotional struggles. By advocating for a holistic view that considers family, culture, and individual resilience, Timimi presents a compassionate approach to understanding and addressing mental health issues.