David Oaks
David W. Oaks is executive director of MindFreedom International, based in Eugene, Oregon. The organization includes psychiatric survivors and dissident psychiatrists who reject what they say is the "domination" by the biomedical model that defines contemporary psychiatry[1] . They say that "mental illness is caused by severe emotional distress, often combined with lack of socialization, and they decry the pervasive treatment with prescription drugs, sales of which have nearly doubled since 1998". Further, "they condemn the continued use of electro-convulsive therapy (ECT) which they say violates patients' human rights.[2]
Oaks himself was institutionalized and forcibly medicated in the 1970s, while studying at Harvard University, when he was diagnosed as schizophrenic. He recovered, he says, by rejecting drugs and getting support from family and friends.[2]
Oaks is on the board of directors for the United States International Council on Disability.[3]
Awards
- Lane Independent Living Alliance award in 2011.
- Utne Reader magazine named Oaks as one of "50 Visionaries" for 2009.
- Barrier Awareness Day 2003 Leadership Award.
- 2002 Distinguished Achievement Award from the International Center for the Study of Psychiatry and Psychology.
- Project Censored award 2000.
- 1994 David J. Vail National Advocacy Award by National Mental Health Association of Minnesota.[3]
See also
References
- ^ Oaks, David. "Let's Stop Saying "Mental Illness"". MI Watch. Retrieved 22 February 2012.
- ^ a b David Davis (October 26, 2003). "Losing the Mind". LA Times.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|1=(help) - ^ a b United States International Council on Disability (April 21, 2010). "David Oaks and MindFreedom International".