Is Psychiatry Overdiagnosing Normal Life? | Dr. Patricia Casey

Description

Are we turning normal life struggles into mental illness and teaching people to see themselves as broken?Dr. Patricia Casey, professor emeritus of psychiatry at University College Dublin and author of 14 books, joins Richard Taite to question how modern psychiatry defines and treats mental health.Dr. Casey explains why grief, stress and sadness are often healthy responses rather than illnesses, what adjustment disorder really is and why it's so often misdiagnosed, why checkbox screening tools can be misused, and how she decides when medication is appropriate and when therapy or a "wait and see" approach comes first. They also discuss trauma and substance misuse, the role of insight and acceptance in recovery, and why listening to music has always helped her through difficult times.This conversation is for general information and is not medical advice. Nothing discussed is a diagnosis or a recommendation to start, stop or change any medication. Consult a licensed clinician about your own care. If you or someone in your family is in crisis, call or text 988 in the United States to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. In an emergency, call 911.The "We're Out of Time" podcast dives into the issues America can't afford to ignore, from addiction and mental health to parenting, resilience, and hope. Hosted by Richard Taite, founder and chairman of Carrara Treatment Wellness & Spa and chairman of 1 Method Centers, the show cuts through the noise with raw truth, real stories, and life-changing conversations. From former addicts and wellness experts to celebrities, athletes, musicians, and influencers, we ask the questions no one else will, educating, empowering, and demanding answers.We're Out of Time is consistently ranked #1 in Mental Health on Apple Podcasts, a 2025 Signal Award winner (Best Video Podcast Guest), and a 2026 Webby Honoree in Health, Wellness & Lifestyle podcasts. New episodes every Tuesday.