Sir, - With reference to Orla Farrell's questioning (August 1st) of Dr John Owens (July 16th), may I convey my full agreement with her remarks? Dr Owens and many of his psychiatrist colleagues have for years made sweeping statements about their unproven theories which we, "Joe Public", are supposed to accept as fact.
If anyone has ever wondered why psychiatry is so dogmatic in its assertions and so resistant to any wisdom that contravenes its thinking, you might do well to examine who finances the research that supposably supports its brittle theories.
For too long psychiatry has been the final point of sale for pharmaceutical companies claiming "magic bullet" cures for people suffering severe emotional distress.
When psychiatry can move away from the cosy research funding offered by vested interests, then and only then can Dr Owens seek to possess that "special knowledge and responsibility" which he claims for it. - Yours etc,
Eoin Flynn, Trim, Co Meath.