«This contribution by Thompson, a medical writer, is a useful history and summary of the broad, controversial arena of mental illness….[t]his book outlines historical perspectives on mental illness, including an appended time line from prehistory through 2006….First-year undergraduates, laypeople, and health care workers with little background knowledge of mental illness would benefit most from this overview. Recommended. Lower-level undergraduates, two-year technical program students, and general readers.»

Choice

«Marie Thompson provides a clear and informative introduction to both the history of, and current provision for, the treatment of mental illness….[T]here is much to commend Thompson's book, and it would be of use to undergraduates and BTec students in Health Care, interested general readers (particularly family and relatives of those who are ill), social workers specializing in mental health, and health care workers.»

Metapsychology Online Reviews

«Aimed at students and general readers, this volume provides an overview of what is currently known about mental illness. In the early part of the book, medical writer Thompson traces the understanding and treatment of mental illness through the ages and defines the modern biomedical model and the scientific discoveries informing it. Later chapters address controversial issues such as involuntary commitment and health insurance discrimination. Additional references found at the back of the volume include annotated primary documents, a timeline, a glossary, and suggestions for further reading.»

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