The Consumer Movement

Some mental health clients (often called consumers of

mental health care)  found that adding their voices to

treatment of their peers was very important.  They

formed a movement often called the Consumer

Movement.  Here are some views on limitations of the

“medical model” of mental health care:

​

• The concept of “mental illness” is a form of social

       control for people who are “different”

• The medical model defines the problem in the individual instead of an oppressive society

• Some emotional crises are a reaction to difficult, oppressive circumstances and are not 

permanent “chemical imbalances” of the brain that will require medication for life

• Over-reliance on medication and ECT which sometimes has serious, irreversible side effects

• Use of forced treatment for mental health problems is counterproductive

• DSM diagnosis based on symptoms is supposed to be unique, but in practice, different 

• diagnoses are often given for the same symptoms in the same person

• Significant differences between Europe and US in how schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are 

diagnosed suggesting subjectivity of "mental illness" definition and treatment

 

The Consumer Movement Stresses:

•     Mental health client rights (see Personal Bill of Rights below)

•     Self Determination and Self Advocacy

•     Self Help and Peer Support, Peer-run Drop in Centers

•     Networking with other mental health clients

•     Lobbying and advocacy for rights of mental health clients

•     Some mental health clients reject some or all medical intervention for mental disorders:

• Psychiatric Medication

  • Against forced medication.  This is a contentious issue between families and mental health clients

• Psychiatric Hospitalization

• Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)