Thomas Szaszs Criticisms of the Medical Model of Psychological Disorders

Thomas Szaszs Criticisms of the Medical Model of Psychological Disorders

In his criticism of the medical approach to mental illness, Hungarian-American psychiatrist Thomas Szasz was outspoken. Mental health issues, such as schizophrenia or depression, should not be addressed as medical illnesses, in his view. Weiten et al. (2018) cite Szasz’s contentious book “The Myth of Mental Illness,” in which he claimed that the medical paradigm incorrectly labels human issues as pathologies and abdicates accountability for one’s own actions. Although Szasz brings forth some reasonable points, his stance is somewhat radical. Many individuals have benefited from the treatment of mental health issues as they would from physical ailments, allowing them to lead more fulfilling lives. With some adjustments to address issues like overdiagnosis, the medical model still holds value today.

Szasz’s Main Criticisms

Szasz objected to the disease model of conditions like depression and anxiety for several reasons. First, he noted that psychological disorders do not have clear biological causes or pathology like infectious diseases or cancer. While some correlations have been found, the etiology of mental illness is complex and not fully understood (Fulford, 2019; Hogan, 2019). Szasz argued it was misleading and unscientific to discuss psychological conditions as if they were medical diseases. Second, Szasz believed that labeling behavior or emotions as symptoms of an illness denies personal responsibility. Calling depression a disease, for example, conveys that the person is sick rather than choosing how to respond to life’s challenges. For Szasz, psychological distress is not a medical problem but an issue of freedom and responsibility.

Finally, Szasz was concerned that the medical model promotes paternalism and coercion. Psychiatric commitment and mandated treatment seem at odds with individual autonomy and consent. Szasz felt that adults should have the right to make decisions about their own mental health care.

The Value of the Medical Model

Placing mental health issues inside the medical system has obvious advantages, notwithstanding the true concerns raised by Szasz. It does two things. First, it shows that mental illnesses like schizophrenia are not indicative of a lack of moral fiber or character (Weiten et al., 2018). Compassion and compassionate treatment of individuals with psychiatric illnesses are encouraged within the medical framework. Second, health insurance and other treatment resources are made available via the medical model. Medical issues are usually covered by health insurance, but not emotional or mental issues. People with mental illness should be able to affordably obtain treatment, medicine, and other treatments if it is recognized as a medical issue.

Lastly, studies into the genetic and biochemical factors that contribute to mental illness have been greatly advanced by the disease construct. Despite the lack of a definitive relationship between the two, research has identified risk factors and genetic associations. With this information, doctors will be able to make more accurate diagnoses and save vulnerable patients from experiencing mental health issues in the future.

Finding a Balanced Approach

Some people are worried that the medical model would lead to overmedication or that it will rationalize any action as a symptom. Mental health issues are complicated medical diseases, but with appropriate protections in place, they may be treated as such. Instead of reducing circumstances to abnormalities in brain chemistry, we need to prioritize the integration of biological, psychological, and social elements. Additionally, professionals should not impose their will on clients but rather provide them with knowledge and choices. The medical framework can provide real alleviation with sensitivity and accountability.

Conclusion

Concerning the dangers of overmedicating human issues, Szasz offers perceptive criticisms. Those who are really dealing with mental health issues will not get any relief by totally rejecting the illness concept. Professionals may honor patients’ autonomy and the complexities of mental health with a well-rounded, holistic approach that maintains the medical framework’s advantages. This way, we may keep treating people with mental health issues with compassion and destigmatize them without letting our ethical responsibilities go.

References

Fulford, K. W. M. (2019). Taking Szasz seriously—and his critics, too: Thesis, antithesis, and a values-based synthesis. Oxford University Press EBooks, 82–97. https://doi.org/10.1093/med/9780198813491.003.0008

Hogan, A. J. (2019). Social and medical models of disability and mental health: evolution and renewal. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 191(1), 16–18. https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.181008

Weiten, W., Dunn, D. S., & Hammer, E. Y. (2018). Psychology Applied to Modern Life: Adjustment in the 21st Century. Wadsworth Cengage Learning.

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What do you think of Thomas Szasz’s criticisms of the medical model of psychological disorders?

Thomas Szaszs Criticisms of the Medical Model of Psychological Disorders

Do you think it makes sense to treat psychological disorders the same way diseases are treated? Why or why not?