No Such Thing as Normal

Disorders, Diagnoses and the Limits of Psychiatry

Marieke Bigg

$45

Hardback

Forthcoming
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English

Profile
01 September 2025

Feminism & feminist theory; Ethical issues: scientific & technological developments; Psychology; Popular science; Coping with illness; Coping with eating disorders

Within the scientific community, the field of Psychiatry has been in freefall for a number of years. Its treatments and medications rest on assumptions that are, at best, unsupported, and at worst, entirely false. There is increasing recognition that environmental factors play a far greater role in mental health than genetic inheritance or inherent brain structure. Despite this, we have never been more medicated.

No Such Thing as Normal is a deeply researched, timely, essential book that will shine a light on the psychiatric industry: its genesis, its obsession with often ineffective, over-medicalised treatments, and its relationship with a pharmaceutical industry driven by profitability rather than meaningful social welfare and change.

Above all, Bigg will highlight those who most get left behind by the psychiatric machine, laying out the steps for a mental health system that helps, rather than neglects the people it claims to serve, and calling for long-overdue, desperately needed change

By: Marieke Bigg
Imprint: Profile
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Edition: Main
Dimensions: Height: 238mm, Width: 162mm, Spine: 34mm
Weight: 540g
ISBN: 9781800819016
ISBN 10: 1800819013
Pages: 336
Publication Date: 01 September 2025
Audience: General/trade , College/higher education , Professional and scholarly , ELT Advanced , Primary
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Dr Marieke Bigg holds a PhD in sociology from the University of Cambridge. Her work focused on the role of biological models and biologists in public deliberations on biotechnology and reproductive medicine. She also writes fiction that deals with the intersection of art and the female body. Besides her writing, she runs writing workshops, lectures, and collaborates with scientists and artists to produce exhibitions that conjure new social worlds. She is currently training as a psychotherapist.

Reviews for No Such Thing as Normal: Disorders, Diagnoses and the Limits of Psychiatry

'PRAISE FOR MARIEKE BIGG'S PREVIOUS WORK: She is balanced in her evidence analysis, forensic in her research' - Telegraph 'A vital subject that needs to be discussed' - Katy Hessel, author of THE STORY OF ART WITHOUT MEN 'A hugely informative and quietly furious call to arms' - Irish Times 'A valuable sociological perspective on women's bodies and health and an even more valuable (and optimistic) view of a better future for all' - Gina Rippon, author of THE GENDERED BRAIN 'Ground-breaking' - Evening Standard