Peter Roger Breggin American psychiatrist Date of Birth: 11.05.1936 Country: USA

1. Peter Breggin
2. Critique of Psychiatric Treatments
3. Pharmaceutical Industry and Conflicts of Interest
4. Dangers of Psychotropic Medications and ECT
5. Clinical Practice and Professional Affiliations
6. Research and Publications

Peter Breggin

Peter Breggin is an American psychiatrist, author, publisher, and member of the American Psychiatric Association (APA). Known for his critical stance on biological psychiatry and the use of psychotropic medications in psychiatric treatment, he has authored numerous books and articles on these topics.

Critique of Psychiatric Treatments

Breggin has extensively criticized the use of psychotropic medications, which he argues can have harmful side effects that outweigh any potential benefits. He also contends that psychosocial interventions, rather than medication, are often more effective in treating mental health conditions. Breggin has campaigned against the use of psychoactive drugs, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), psychosurgery, involuntary outpatient commitment, and biological theories in psychiatry.

Pharmaceutical Industry and Conflicts of Interest

Breggin alleges that the pharmaceutical industry has disseminated misleading information that is accepted by unsuspecting physicians. He notes ethical concerns, such as financial ties between pharmaceutical companies, researchers, and the APA. Breggin asserts that psychotropic drugs are "all, every class" inherently dangerous.

Dangers of Psychotropic Medications and ECT

Breggin has dedicated much of his work to exposing the iatrogenic (harmful side) effects of psychotropic medications. He argues that antipsychotics, in particular, have created an epidemic of neurological damage and should be significantly restricted in use.

Clinical Practice and Professional Affiliations

Despite his criticism of mainstream psychiatric treatment, Breggin maintains a clinical practice in Ithaca, New York, treating adults, families, and children. He is a life member of the APA and the editor of several scientific journals. Breggin's views have garnered both praise and criticism in media outlets such as Time magazine and The New York Times. He has appeared on numerous radio and television programs, including "60 Minutes," "20/20," and "The Evening Line."

Research and Publications

While Breggin has not published any original clinical research in controlled trials, he has written theoretical, review, and analytical articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals such as Primary Psychiatry, Brain and Cognition, Mind and Behavior, and Archives of General Psychiatry. He relies on published literature and his clinical experience to support his arguments.