From a leading consultant neuropsychiatrist, a fresh, timely and compassionate book about the rise of diagnoses in mental health conditions and disorders and what it means for individuals and society.

At what point does a low mood tip over into depression? When does a distressing experience qualify as trauma? When does a cluster of symptoms indicate an underlying condition? As the conversation around mental health has moved from the consulting room to the public arena, so the concept of normal is shifting. Today, we are seeing an unprecedented rise in diagnosable conditions, in waiting lists, in diagnoses, and in medication. Yet, are we really less psychologically healthy than previous generations? In this brave, engrossing and vitally important new book, consultant neuropsychiatrist Dr Alastair Santhouse argues that the consequences of the new climate of diagnosis are immense. Drawing on his decades of clinical experience, Dr Santhouse explores our current malaise and proposes a solution - that we pull back from this diagnostic expansion, focus on the effective treatment of a core group of severe mental health problems, and de-medicalise a vast range of other normal human experiences.

"A provocative, accessible and engaging reflection on the cultural moment that we are living through... Calling out the impact of the de-stigmatisation and democratisation of mental health is to my mind an abiding strength of this book" - Irish Times