Descriptions and prescriptions : a biblical perspective on psychiatric diagnoses and medications / Michael R. Emlet.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction: The Goldilocks principle -- Understanding psychiatric diagnoses -- Diagnosis is unavoidable -- How are psychiatric problems diagnosed? -- How did we get here? a brief history of psychiatric diagnosis -- The problems and pitfalls of psychiatric diagnoses: descriptions, not explanations -- Problems and pitfalls: abnormalizing the normal -- Problems and pitfalls: redefining behavior -- Problems and pitfalls: the influence of culture -- Implications for ministry -- The value of psychiatric diagnoses in ministry -- Conclusion: what's in a name? -- Understanding psychoactive medicines -- Introduction: what do you hear? -- Classes of psychoactive medications -- Do medications treat a 'chemical imbalance' -- How effective are psychoactive medications? -- Walking the wisdom tightrope -- Relieving and redeeming suffering -- Hazards to spiritual growth -- Gifts or Gods? -- Motives good and bad -- Medications and the heart, for better and for worse -- Putting it all together -- The wisdom framework in action -- Goldilocks revisited -- Acknowledgements -- Scripture index.

As Christians, we should neither blindly accept nor entirely dismiss psychiatric labels, diagnoses, and medicines that are prescribed to help those who are suffering. Descriptions and Prescriptions provides a balanced, biblically (and scientifically) informed approach that will help us understand and minister to those struggling with mental health issues.--Back cover.

Added to GBC Library Holland Park 29 October 2022.