Tom Cruise: Psychiatry Should Be Outlawed

[MacReady]

Movie superstar Tom Cruise has hit out at Hollywood's therapy culture, insisting the practice of psychiatry is a "waste of time" and should be made illegal. While many American stars admit attending regular sessions with probing therapists, Cruise follows the line of thinking adopted by his religion, the controversial Church Of Scientology, and refuses to accept psychiatry as a legitimate form of self-improvement. The actor, 41, says, "I think it's an utter waste of time. There's nothing scientific about it. "Communication is a good thing but I think people get more mentally out of having a good meal or going for a walk. "I think psychiatry should be outlawed. I can't believe electric shock therapy is still used. I think it definitely does more harm than good." (From IMDb)

[RogueSpear]

Tom Cruise is an assclown. If he really believes that mental patients would get more out of a "good meal or going for a long walk" than psychiatric treatment then he has issues. I'll be the first to admit that psychiatry isn't the solution to all the worlds problems, but it's definately something that certain people need.

[Damned Martian]

Well, it's obvious he hasn't followed any psychiatric treatment, or he wouldn't be a scientologist with such a poor acknowledge of what the fuck he's talking about except what his "church" teach him to believe.

[ofmknockoff]

Wait, it should be outlawed because it didn't necessarily work for him? But we all know that whatever Tom Cruise says is fact so I'll just go along with it so I can be a cool kid.

[Reigh Kaufman]

I attend a psychiatrist to help me cope with the aftermath of being diagnosed epileptic, after a year and half of being told it was 'all in my mind', and being wrongly prescribed anti-depressant medication. Part of the fun of this is that I did a year of Psychology at Uni before transferring to a Film degree and therefore understand most of the basic principles. Here is what I have learned: nothing. My doctor is a very brilliant, very caring man who knows absolutely nothing about how to help me when I am worried that I will black-out in the middle of a busy nightclub or street. Instead he focuses on my happy childhood and worries at threads that will never unravel; to satisfy the man's conviction that he can somehow solve the mystery of my anxieties - who the fuck wants to pass out among strangers, in a strange place? This IS the source of my anxieties, tit-face - I simply do my best to be truthful - when it is quite, quite obvious to me that the poor man cannot help me. How, I ask, is him concerning himself with my parents and my family ever going to stop me panicking when I feel a seizure coming on? Answer: it won't. But still, I have to attend. I get more from the nurse who teaches me relaxation techniques (yoga is fucking ace!), but to avoid going back to where I was three years ago I have to conform with the wishes of my GP. Therefore, and I know this is only MY own case, psychiatry seems to be a black art that serves little or no purpose other than to fit otherwise healthy individuals into a prognosis that fits with Jung or Freud or whoever else is fashionable this month. I agree with Tom Cruise insofar as the practice is not very scientific; anyone can attend and after a regressive therapy session discover that they are not as adjusted as they think they are - and for this we pay out good money. When they refine the science, I'll maybe have nicer things to say, but until then it is money for old rope.

P.S. My mother is a Forensic Social Worker, so I know that PYSCHOLOGISTS (I'm presuming I don't have to explain the difference between the two?) do some sterling work within the field of medical science.

[vtadave]

What a stupid little cunt. Samurai my ass...

[Grebdron]

Tom Cruise should be outlawed.

[A.J. Hakari]

Ah, so we should turn to the $ci-cologists, instead?

[Indiana Sev]

Not all psychiatrists can help people, but some can be a very big help in people's lives and the idea that Tom thinks it should be outlawed is laughable and downright insulting.

Mr. Cruise has been brainwashed. Period.

The irony in all this is that he can only get better by seeing a psychiatrist.

[BadCoverVersion]

Fact is, Tom doesn't know his arse from his elbow.

Psychiatrists, counsellor's et al have had a HUGE impact on my family, life...and the rest.

The fucker is living in cloud-cuckoo-land.

Bollocks, arse...kiss ma teeth.

[Buck Turgidson]

Even if Psychaitric practice is as bad as he maintains, a guy pimping for a pyramid scheme created by a mediocre SF writer to make money has no room to carp.

Eat me, rodent-toothed dwarf.

[jackson13]

Mr. Cruise needs to talk a long walk off a short pier. Simple as that.

[EBastard]

Reigh, on behalf of everyone in this thread...thanx for sharing. I think i'd like to do the same now.

Growing up I had a HUGE anger management problem. I went through 4 psychiatrists. The first three were awful, and the fourth one helped a little...but thinking back on it maybe the only reason why I even remotely listened to her was because she was fresh outta college and kinda cute, but that's beside the point.

I took control of my anger about a year after I stopped going to therapy. Like everyone else, I don't doubt it it works, but kinda doubt it's a science.

And in conclusion, I don't dislike Cruise for saying that. He's just SERIOUSLY needs to do some background checking on the wonderful world of $cinetology, quick.


And remember, if you smell something good, it's probably because...



THE BASTARD IS BACK.

[ilovemovies]

Am I the only one having a hard time believing in this story? Remember, this is IMDB. Not always a reliable source. I'd give the guy the benefit of the doubt and call this as just another phony story.

However, if it does turn out to be true then I take back what I just said and would agree with you guys.

[Tuukka]

"I can't believe electric shock therapy is still used. I think it definitely does more harm than good."

RE:

This is a good example of Tom's ignorance, if he really did say this.

Shock therapy doesn't hurt. In fact it's a very pleasurable experience. The patient is injected with morphin before the shocks so he is in fact having an all time high and enjoying himself.

Interestingly shock therapy does often work when all the other methods have failed. Nobody really knows how and why it works, but many people have had their lives saved because of it.

As for therapy... For some people it works. For some it doesn't. Also, some psychiatrists are not good at their work. Some might even do damage to their patients.

In any work of field there are people who are not good at their job.

[Jyrka]

I agree with Tom.

[this one dude]

i agree with tom as well.

[James Logan]

I don't think psychiatry is much help -- well, I used to think it was half-assed and stupidly useless, but I've learned that in some cases it's really needed.

But even then...I like the dude as an actor, there's no question. But being part of some fucked-up organization SECT (and I mean that in the most pejorative sense of the word) and saying psychiatric treatment should be outlawed?

Dude, if you're a Scientologist, people should force psychiatry on you.

[Jon Lyrik]

Psychiatry doesn't always work, but a lot of people get help from it, much more than $cientology would help.

[Shockwave]

The actor, 41, says, "I think it's an utter waste of time. There's nothing scientific about it.

This part made me laugh out loud! Well hell then Tom, lets ban it!

Whata nutball.

Once again a star opening his mouth when it should remain firmly closed. Phychiactric practice is not just usefull but its downright NEEDED. Much more then scientology.

[Shayde]

Well I personally believe that psychiatry is contributing to the degradation of our society. It gives everyone an excuse to avoid responsibility, and place blame on their parents, or the time your little brother stole your pie when you were 5. People need to grow up, understand that bad things happen to good people, and learn how to deal with, and get over their shit, instead of talking about how their mother didnt get them the christmas present they wanted when they were 8. Gotta a problem with your life? No problem! Here's a little blue pill, it'll fix you right up.

Having said all that, I do believe some people with serious disturbing problems may need psychiatric help, but not nearly as many as psychiatrists would have you believe. I also think 90% of all these kids diagnosed with ADD don't really have much of a problem at all, and are just kids. So I guess I can see where tommy is coming from, except scientology is ridiculous :P

[TheAxeGrinder]

Anyone who believes in that crap Scientology should see a psychiatrist, in my opinion.

[betje]

Originally posted by Shayde
Well I personally believe that psychiatry is contributing to the degradation of our society. It gives everyone an excuse to avoid responsibility, and place blame on their parents, or the time your little brother stole your pie when you were 5...
I disagree. Psychiatry can (not always, but it CAN) help people to see where their problems arise from. This gives great responsibility (and I most certainly admit that far too many people conveniently skip this part) to at least try and better yourself and not automatically treat others, like your own children for crying out loud, the same lousy way you've been treated.

[jeo4]

Originally posted by TheAxeGrinder
Anyone who believes in that crap Scientology should see a psychiatrist, in my opinion.

Preach on, Brother Axe. You speak volumes of truth.

Scientology is a cult. They teach their followers to avoid any kinds of therapy, medical or mental help. They also believe they are the "one true religion" and they make a point to separate themselves from the rest of society. The facts are pretty clear. He's been brainwashed. It's a shame he chooses to be part of this group of whack jobs. Psychiatric help does far more than people acknowledge. It not only diagnoses mental and psychological issues, but it also can pinpoint chemical imbalances in the brain. The prescription medications for these patients will often prevent them from doing emotional or physical harm to others or themselves. I hope someone can snap Tom out of this and get him to counseling.

[Tuukka]

Originally posted by betje
I disagree. Psychiatry can (not always, but it CAN) help people to see where their problems arise from. This gives great responsibility (and I most certainly admit that far too many people conveniently skip this part) to at least try and better yourself and not automatically treat others, like your own children for crying out loud, the same lousy way you've been treated.

RE:

I agree with this. I think that finding yourself through therapy also means finding ways to be responsible of yourself and your actions. I'm sure that there are bad therapists who might even make their patients less responsible, but it's not what therapy is supposed to be about.

[Damned Martian]

Originally posted by Shayde
Well I personally believe that psychiatry is contributing to the degradation of our society. It gives everyone an excuse to avoid responsibility, and place blame on their parents, or the time your little brother stole your pie when you were 5. People need to grow up, understand that bad things happen to good people, and learn how to deal with, and get over their shit, instead of talking about how their mother didnt get them the christmas present they wanted when they were 8. Gotta a problem with your life? No problem! Here's a little blue pill, it'll fix you right up.

Having said all that, I do believe some people with serious disturbing problems may need psychiatric help, but not nearly as many as psychiatrists would have you believe. I also think 90% of all these kids diagnosed with ADD don't really have much of a problem at all, and are just kids. So I guess I can see where tommy is coming from, except scientology is ridiculous :P

You, and some others in this thread, are confusing Psychiatry with Pychoanalysis. PA is just a part of Psychiatry, but not all. In america it's very popular, but it's not everything Psychiatry does, nor is it the solution to every problem. PA serves to cure certain forms of mental disease, but not all. The fact that many psychiatrists use this trend shouldn't be automatically translated into a desprestige of the entire profession.

And another thing: the more it's researched, the more we know about the human being and how it works. It's an extremely complex matter that we're just beginning to understand (Psychic sciences are just 150 years old: compared with the milenary mathematics, just a glimpse). If it's forbidden, as in the times of Inquisition, we will be stopping our only possible way to understand our mind and its diseases, and the way to cure them. It's a long way, but censorship and sects aren't the solution.

[Tuukka]

Originally posted by Damned Martian
You, and some others in this thread, are confusing Psychiatry with Pychoanalysis.

RE:

Good point.

[Shockwave]

I just find it funny that the reason he doesnt like it is because he doesnt think its scientific.

But it is.

[RavenBlade]

nm.....I'd say what I have to say,
but it would only cause a ruckus.

so I will leave it at this.

Tom is a dolt.

[Jon Lyrik]

Originally posted by Shockwave
I just find it funny that the reason he doesnt like it is because he doesnt think its scientific.

But it is.

Correct. My mother has a few psychological disorders, and it all has to do with the chemistry of her brain. That's linked to science, right?

[DoCk]

therapy didnt work for tony soprano so thats even more proof its a waste of time. maybe rape victims and people who have been through traumatic experiences should just........take a walk or have a good meal?????? damn!!! why didnt the USA think of this before??????? that Tom is a GENIUS!!!!!!!!!!

oh but wait......what if their legs have been cut off from vietnam or they can not afford a GOOD MEAL from being laid off after 9/11???? :rolleyes:

[Tuukka]

Originally posted by Jon Lyrik
Correct. My mother has a few psychological disorders, and it all has to do with the chemistry of her brain. That's linked to science, right?

RE:

I've understood that many things in psychiatry can be considered as "real" science.

But there is a lot of grey area. We don't yet have the capability to properly research human brain so it's often very hard to *prove* things. I order to prove a scientific theory you must be able to repeat a test with many different people with consistent results. This is often difficult in psychiatry because people are so unique and different.

[Lynn7]

I worked on a psych unit for years and as far as counseling goes it isn't very helpful except in patients who are really invested in getting better and need someone objective to talk to, but the meds they give out are spectacular! I have seen patients come in to the unit like Zombies and a few days after being on meds are almost totally normal. A lot of psych conditions are really physiological in nature, especially depression, manice depression and schizophrenia. Personality disorders are more psycholigical in nature, I believe.

As far as Cruise goes, he keeps taliking about how great scientolgy is but I never hear why it is so great. It seems pretty similar to counseling, IMO except maybe it has more motivating speeches about beleiving in your selves? I don't get it.

On recent interviews he is really talking about how great Scietology is. Seems like that dominates a lot of his talks these days.

[Tweek]

If he really said that, my level of respect for him went down a lot.
Psychoanalysis is a two person job to get better.
The patient and the therapist.


The therapist uses whatever resources he or she can give. The patient should use those resources if they want to improve.




A psychiatrist has a lot more in there bag to help improvement.



No scientific basis? Show me the scientific basis of SCIENTOLOGY and THEN I won't be likely to scoff at you.


Psychiatrists have to go to medical school to be called a psychiatrist.
A psychologist can be one with a psych degree and a counseling license.


I take meds for my... "issues" (stupid bipolar and etc.) and it's helped me a LOT.

[flowrchild]

Originally posted by Jyrka
I agree with Tom.

It's one thing to say you personally find psychiatry to be ineffective, but it's another thing entirely to declare it should be made "illegal". Tom Cruise needs a crowbar to remove his head from his ass.

[The Heart Collector]

Originally posted by MacReady
[I]There's nothing scientific about it.


IRONY METER OFF THE CHARTS.

[Tweek]

Originally posted by The Heart Collector
IRONY METER OFF THE CHARTS.

The meter just exploded.

[Grim H.]

Let's start off with some definitions, shall we?

Psychology- The scientific study of behavior and the mind.

Science- The observation, identification, description, experimental investigation, and theoretical explanation of natural phenomena.

Psychiatry- Branch of medicine specializing in Mental illness

Okay, now that we all understand what these three key terms mean, let's continue.

As quoted from Encarta Encyclodpedia, "Psychology is closely connected with Psychiatry, the branch of medicine specializing in mental illness. The study of mental illness is one of the largest areas of research in psychology." To narrow it down a little more, Psychiatrists can prescribe medicine, psychologists cannot.

Psychology involves a great deal of theorizing, studying, researching, experimenting, and otherwise observing human and/or animal behavior. Gee, does this sound an awful lot like the definition for "science?" It should. I find it ironic that Mr. Cruise attends a church called "Scientology," despite the fact that he apparantly knows nothing about its base word. Yes, Psychology (and intern, psychiatry) is a science, simple as that.

Whether or not it is an effective science I can't say. It certainly is by definiton, though. Yes, maybe too many people see psychiatrists because they can't cope with everyday life. But, hey, isn't that why psychologists study these things, so we can put it too good use? Psychology is a fairly new science, so it's possible that it hasn't yet matured to the point of everyday applications.

Psychiatry can be helpful to some people, especially those with severe mental illness. That doesn't mean everybody and their brother should see one just because they're feeling a little "down." This is what causes many psychiatrists to just decide to $$$$ cash in on poor saps. But hey, maybe you'll find a psychiatrist who actually can help you. Just like some people go to a doctor, some use new age medicine, some people pray, etc. People have a right to seek solace wherever they choose.

I may be one of those people who actually had a good experience with Psychiatrists. Five years ago my father had passed away. My mother had really wanted me to see a psychiatrist (although in my case it wasn't necessary, I just needed grieving time.) But my mother was going through a tough time, having nervous breakdowns, panic attacks, and making hospital trips. Seeing a psychiatrist really helped her make it through those tough times.

Hey, different strokes for different folks. Psychiatry works for some and not for others. It's all your opinion, and opinions make the world go 'round. But anyone who says Psychiatry should be outlawed obviously doesn't know shit about psychiatry or Federal Law.

[TheDeadWalk]

Psychiatry- Branch of medicine specializing in Mental illness

Yes, I was about to embark on this point myself.

From the way it seems, I think this is what Tom Cruise is emphasizing on... the medicinal use of controlling mental illness, or lack thereof.

Medicine such as ritalin (downers), and the official "cure-all for the blues" Prozac are sometimes thought of to be WIDELY over-prescribed and over-used.

A popular debate today in America is the social-control under the form of drugs/legal medicine.

I agree with Psychiatry if you're banging your head off the walls for no apparent reason, but when its time to pay your taxes, your cat dies, or you don't know if you're going to get a date for the senior prom and its got you down, should never be a reason to go to the doctor for Prozac.

And the fact that ritalin is used to calm children down instead of the good old fashioned ass-whooping is ludacrous.

I don't feel that psychiatry should be outlawed, but I agree with Cruise to a certain extent. We have a pill out there now for every simple problem that faces us, instead of just taking fault and blame or trying to work through it. Not that everyone does this, but its a growing trend.

Keep psychiatry. Just weed out the retards that would be best off doing as Tom said to "take a walk", or perhaps get laid, or move to a third world country and play the "wonder where I'll get my next meal from" exclusive home game.

[Morgana]

"Communication is a good thing but I think people get more mentally out of having a good meal or going for a walk. "

Given this article is true, I think Cruise is a complete idiot for saying such things. Does he even know what psychiatrists do? Sure psychiatrists aren't for everyone, sure some of them aren't terribly competent, and certainly some of them whip out their prescription pad too handily. But some people with severe mental illnesses need psychiatrists just to get diagnosed, and just so they can get a prescription so they can function in this world. To tell schizophrenics that they should be "having a good meal" instead of seeing their psychiatrist is utterly idiotic.

I think Mr. Cruise would greatly benefit from visiting some of this country's mental institutions. (Or even prisons, as quite a few mentally ill people end up behind bars because they haven't been properly diagnosed and treated.) Psychiatry doesn't just deal with the problems of Hollywood's rich and beautiful.

[Shockwave]

Psychiatry doesn't just deal with the problems of Hollywood's rich and beautiful.

Couldnt have said it better. WTF would Tom Cruise ever have to be depressed about anyway? Its not like hes had a rough life.:confused: Some people have real problems that cant be solved by Hollywood tripe.


As far as i know "taking a walk" while good exercise, hasnt helped anyone with thier problems. Maybe that logic works for the rich and fabulous, but for the everyday person who doesnt have more money then god it doesnt work that way.

[moviemuffin]

Well the taking a walk method of self recovery didn't work any miracles on his marriage, did it?

Scientology makes me twitchy. I don't like identifying any group as a whole negatively, but I can't think of a single Scientologist (and I know a few who are not celebrities) who isn't weird. My own religious beliefs often come under fire, so I hesitate to use the word "cult," but when any belief system isolates its members from treatment I worry.

The church has, after all, been sued repeatedly for its members coming to harm, and even death, because their "methods" were not just nutty-- they were dangerous.

[Nate6]

Originally posted by Tuukka
This is a good example of Tom's ignorance, if he really did say this.

Shock therapy doesn't hurt. In fact it's a very pleasurable experience. The patient is injected with morphin before the shocks so he is in fact having an all time high and enjoying himself.

Interestingly shock therapy does often work when all the other methods have failed. Nobody really knows how and why it works, but many people have had their lives saved because of it.

I'm not going to disagree with you but I do have an example to help disprove what you said.

My grandmother was diagnosed (likely misdiagnosed, in fact) with a mental illness in the late-1960s, and she was prescribed numerous rounds of electroshock therapy. Later on in life, she started to act strange and erratic, with little memory or, well, sanity. After seeing several different doctors, all came to the conclusion that electroshock therapy had played with the mechanics of her brain, and that it was the treatment that was causing her problems.

I'm not saying it doesn't work, but I know of one instance, at least.

[Tuukka]

Originally posted by Nate6
I'm not going to disagree with you but I do have an example to help disprove what you said.

My grandmother was diagnosed (likely misdiagnosed, in fact) with a mental illness in the late-1960s, and she was prescribed numerous rounds of electroshock therapy. Later on in life, she started to act strange and erratic, with little memory or, well, sanity. After seeing several different doctors, all came to the conclusion that electroshock therapy had played with the mechanics of her brain, and that it was the treatment that was causing her problems.

I'm not saying it doesn't work, but I know of one instance, at least.

RE:

Well, I'm not too sure that the 60's had similar practises as modern day shock therapy treatment. In fact I recall that back in the day they commonly didn't even inject morphin to the patients, which lead to very painful experience to many. In the 60's mental institutions were practically living on the stone age when compared to modern day. They even locked up people up at the institutions and made lobotomies just because someone was homosexual. This was something that happened at least in Europe in the 50's, maybe also in the 60's.

So I don't think your example is up to date.

I have no doubt in my mind that they wouldn't even consider using shock therapy here in Finland if there was any scientific proof that it would cause physical damage to patients. Our country is very specific about the principle that even if the goverment has the right to imprison people, it has no right to cause physical harm to them. You could for example never see death convictions happening here.

[quoth_the_raven]

Hmmm. seems like someone added the word "should" to the title of this thread...

go on, take it away, you know you want to ;)