UWE Physicial Associate Society presents:

What Do Psychiatric Drugs Really Do?

- Challenging assumptions and proposing an alternative approach

Drug prescribing for mental health problems is increasing. But are they really helping us? And could they be doing us harm?

These drugs are assumed to work by treating an underlying brain abnormality, such as a chemical imbalance. But there is no convincing evidence for this idea. This talk explores an alternative explanation of drug effects, suggesting psychiatric drugs cause alterations in thinking, emotions and behaviour in anyone who takes them, regardless of whether they have a diagnosis of a mental disorder. Joanna will explore:

• mental and behavioural changes produced by different types of drugs;
• how these may/may not be helpful and how they can also be harmful;
• the reasons why we have misunderstood psychiatric drugs for so long.

Dr Joanna Moncrieff is consultant psychiatrist, a senior lecturer at UCL and has authored three best-selling books on psychiatry. It is a privilege to host her at UWE.

This talk takes place in lecture theatre 1H16 on the Glenside Campus, free parking is available. Students free, general public £3 - booking essential through Eventbrite. Donations are also most welcome - they help us as a student society put on more events like this.