Descriptions and Prescriptions: A Biblical Perspective on Psychiatric Diagnoses and Medications by Michael R. Emlet **Review**

OCD, ADHD, PTSD, Bipolar Disorder . . . these are not just diagnoses from the DSM; they are part of our everyday vocabulary and understanding of people. As Christians, how should we think about psychiatric diagnoses and their associated treatments? We can t afford to isolate ourselves and simply dismiss these categories as unbiblical. Nor can we afford to accept the entire secular psychiatric diagnostic and treatment enterprise at face value as though Scripture is irrelevant for these complex struggles. Instead, we need a balanced, biblically (and scientifically!) informed approach that is neither too warmly embracing nor too coldly dismissive of psychiatric labels and the psychiatric medications that are often prescribed. Biblical counselor and retired physician, Michael R. Emlet, gives readers a helpful way forward on these important issues as he guides lay and professional helpers in the church through the thicket of mental health diagnoses and treatments in a clear, thoughtful primer in which the Bible informs our understanding of psychiatric diagnoses and the medications that are often recommended based on those labels. This first book in the Helping the Helper series will give readers biblical, gospel-formed categories that will help them understand and minister to those who are struggling with mental health issues.

Review:
This has been a bit different for me because as I continue my education in psychology and learning how to help/counsel people on a smaller scale, I am also a Christian and believe having a deeper understanding of psychology (a subject I have always been fascinated with and loved)is helpful and beneficial. I was eager to read this due to my educational and professional side but hesitant to see what I was going to read due to what others have told me about psychology and religion not mixing cohesively.  I have heard Christians and non-Christians say that either all or some of psychology goes against Christianity. The synopsis for example states that "Nor can we afford to accept the entire secular psychiatric diagnostic and treatment enterprise at face value as though Scripture is irrelevant for these complex struggles." I personally believe that science backs both. This books gives professionals and laymen within the Church understand DSM-5 labels/diagnoses and gives a clear path on how to help those with these diagnoses. For those that do not understand mental illnesses and what that does to the person, this a great book for them as well. I enjoyed this book very much and know a good handful of people just in my everyday life that would enjoy/benefit from this book .