The Book of Woe: The DSM and the Unmaking of Psychiatry

The Book of Woe: The DSM and the Unmaking of Psychiatry by Gary Greenberg is a compelling and critical examination of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) — the bible of psychiatry.

Greenberg, a practicing psychotherapist, takes readers behind the scenes of the DSM's creation, revealing the political battles, scientific controversies, and philosophical debates that shape how we define mental illness. With sharp wit and deep research, he challenges the very foundations of psychiatric diagnosis and asks: who decides what counts as a mental disorder — and why?

• The politics and power struggles behind psychiatric classification
• The blurry line between mental illness and normal human suffering
• The influence of pharmaceutical companies on diagnosis
• A thought-provoking critique of modern psychiatry

A must-read for anyone interested in psychology, mental health, philosophy of medicine, or the human condition.