Critical Perspectives in Mental Health and Psychopharmacology

There has been a sharp rise in people seeking support for mental health problems in recent years. Yet it remains unclear whether the current medical model—focused on diagnosis and medication—is effectively addressing this need.

The Critical Perspectives in Mental Health and Psychopharmacology group explores alternative ways of understanding mental health problems, drawing on sociological, anthropological, philosophical and service‑user perspectives. Our work highlights both individual experiences and the wider social factors that shape mental health. We also research psychiatric medications—their mechanisms, the role of the pharmaceutical industry and overlooked issues such as dependence and withdrawal effects.

Our aim is to support people to make fully informed choices about their mental health and available treatments. While acknowledging that medical interventions have a place, we advocate for more nuanced and holistic approaches.

The group is led by Joanna Moncrieff, Paul Higgs and Sushrut Jadhav at UCL’s Division of Psychiatry, alongside leading post‑graduate researchers such as Dr Mark Horowitz and Dr Ginny Russell, as well as clinicians, experts by experience and PhD students. We collaborate widely across the UK and internationally.

We run regular seminars at UCL with invited speakers and welcome enquiries from researchers, clinicians, PhD students and experts by experience who share our interests.