The Medicalisation of Normality

Synopsis

Health journalist John Naish asks if we are turning normal human behaviour and normal stages in human development into medical conditions. It is estimated that 10 per cent of British people take anti-depressants and 10 per cent of American children take Ritalin to control their behaviour. It seems that a new mental illness is invented every week, covering every potential quirk in the human condition, such as Restless Leg Syndrome, Social Anxiety Disorder, Female Sexual Dysfunction and Celebrity Worship Syndrome.

Broadcasts

1. Mon 30 Mar 2009
   21:00
   BBC Radio 4
2. Wed 1 Apr 2009
   16:30
   BBC Radio 4