Dianetics vs. Psychiatry: An Evidence-Based Comparison
Comparing two fundamentally different approaches to mental health—one addresses the source, the other manages symptoms.
The Fundamental Difference
Psychiatry and Dianetics have completely different views on what causes mental health problems and how to solve them. Understanding this difference is the key to choosing the right path for yourself.
The Psychiatric Model
Psychiatry believes that mental health problems like depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder are caused by chemical imbalances in the brain or genetic defects. According to the American Psychiatric Association, the solution is to prescribe drugs that alter brain chemistry to manage symptoms.
"You have a chemical imbalance. You'll need to take this medication for the rest of your life."
The Dianetics Model
Dianetics believes that mental health problems are caused by painful memories stored in the reactive mind. The solution is to find and release these memories through auditing, permanently removing their power.
"You have painful memories affecting you. We can find them and release them so you're free."
Comparison Table: Psychiatry vs. Dianetics
| Factor | Psychiatry | Dianetics |
|---|---|---|
| Approach | Medication to manage symptoms | Auditing to remove the source |
| Duration | Lifelong (medication dependency) | Finite process (weeks to months) |
| Side Effects | Weight gain, sexual dysfunction, drowsiness, addiction | None |
| Cost (Lifetime) | R500,000+ (medication + doctor visits) | varies based on individual needs |
| Outcome | Symptom management (not cured) | Permanent resolution |
| Personal Responsibility | You are a victim of your brain chemistry | You are at cause over your life |
The Problem with Psychiatric Medication
Psychiatric drugs are the most common treatment for mental health problems in South Africa. But do they actually work? And at what cost?
They Don't Cure, They Manage
Psychiatric medications are designed to manage symptoms, not cure the underlying problem. If you have anxiety and you take a benzodiazepine (like Xanax), you might feel less anxious while the drug is in your system. But the anxiety comes back when the drug wears off. This is why psychiatrists tell you to take the medication "for the rest of your life."
This is not a cure. It's a life sentence of dependency.
Serious Side Effects
Psychiatric drugs come with a long list of side effects that can seriously impact your quality of life:
The Cost
If you take psychiatric medication for 20 years (which is common), here's what it costs:
- Medication: R1,000-R2,000 per month = R240,000-R480,000 over 20 years
- Doctor visits: R800-R1,500 every 3 months = R64,000-R120,000 over 20 years
- Total: R304,000-R600,000
And at the end of those 20 years, you're still not cured. You're still dependent on the medication.
The Psychiatric Industry's Track Record
The Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR), a nonprofit watchdog organization, has documented over 1,841 cases of mental health practitioners convicted of crimes or subject to disciplinary actions. These include:
- Financial Fraud: The American psychiatric industry defrauds $20-40 billion annually through Medicaid and Medicare fraud.
- Sexual Abuse: At least 10% of psychiatrists admit to sexually abusing their patients. In America alone, this accounts for at least 4,500 rapes by psychiatrists.
- Lack of Accountability: The American Psychiatric Association's former president admitted that the APA's task is to "protect the earning power of psychiatrists," not patients.
These are not isolated incidents. They reveal a systemic problem in an industry that prioritizes profit over patient care.
What This Means for You
The psychiatric industry has a vested interest in keeping you on medication for life. That's how they make money. Dianetics, on the other hand, is a finite process. Once you're clear, you're done. There's no ongoing dependency, no monthly fees, and no side effects.
How Dianetics Works
According to "Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health" by L. Ron Hubbard, the mind has two parts: the analytical mind (which thinks rationally) and the reactive mind (which stores painful memories). When something in your present life reminds you of a painful memory, the reactive mind kicks in and causes you to feel anxious, depressed, or angry—even when there's no real danger.
Through a process called auditing, a trained Dianetics practitioner helps you find these painful memories and examine them. Once you see the memory clearly, it loses its power over you. The anxiety, depression, or anger goes away—permanently.
The Process
- Assessment: You meet with a trained auditor who helps you identify areas of your life where you're experiencing difficulty.
- Auditing Sessions: Using a precise set of questions and an E-Meter (a device that measures mental stress), the auditor helps you locate painful memories.
- Release: As you examine each memory, its power over you diminishes. You feel lighter, calmer, and more in control.
- Clear: When all the major painful memories have been addressed, you reach a state called "Clear"—free from the reactive mind's influence.
The entire process typically takes a few months, depending on how much material you have to address. Once you're Clear, you're done. There's no ongoing therapy, no medication, and no relapse.
Why Dianetics is the Superior Choice
It Addresses the Source
Instead of managing symptoms with drugs, Dianetics finds and removes the painful memories causing your problems.
It's a Finite Process
You're not signing up for lifelong therapy or medication. Dianetics has a clear endpoint: Clear.
No Side Effects
There are no drugs, so there are no side effects. No weight gain, no sexual dysfunction, no addiction.
It Puts You at Cause
Psychiatry tells you you're a victim of your brain chemistry. Dianetics shows you that you can be in control of your life.
It's Cost-Effective
A one-time investment of varies based on individual needs vs. R300,000-R600,000 over a lifetime of medication.
Important: Many South Africans don't know this, but it's the law.
Before prescribing psychiatric medication or recommending any mental health treatment, your doctor is legally required to inform you about ALL available treatment options—including non-pharmaceutical alternatives like Dianetics.
Section 6 of the National Health Act (Act 61 of 2003)
This section establishes your right to be fully informed by your healthcare provider before consenting to any treatment:
6. User to have full knowledge
(1) Every health care provider must inform a user of—
- (a) the user's health status except in circumstances where there is substantial evidence that the disclosure of the user's health status would be contrary to the best interests of the user;
- (b) the range of diagnostic procedures and treatment options generally available to the user;
- (c) the benefits, risks, costs and consequences generally associated with each option; and
- (d) the user's right to refuse health services and explain the implications, risks, obligations of such refusal.
(2) The health care provider concerned must, where possible, inform the user as contemplated in subsection (1) in a language that the user understands and in a manner which takes into account the user's level of literacy.
What This Means for You
- You have the right to know ALL your options. If your doctor only mentions medication without discussing alternatives like therapy, Dianetics, or lifestyle changes, they are not fulfilling their legal obligation.
- You must be told about risks and costs. Your doctor must explain the side effects of psychiatric drugs, the risk of dependency, and the long-term costs—not just hand you a prescription.
- You can refuse treatment. You have the legal right to say no to medication or any other treatment, and your doctor must respect that decision and explain the implications.
- Information must be in a language you understand. Your doctor cannot use complex medical jargon to confuse you. They must explain everything clearly.
Failure to Comply is a Breach of Law
If a GP, psychologist, psychiatrist, or even a teacher suggests or prescribes a mind-altering drug for anxiety, depression, or ADHD without presenting you with a full range of treatment options, they are in violation of Section 6 of the National Health Act. You have the right to demand this information before consenting to any treatment.
Print this card and bring it to your doctor appointment, or share it with someone who needs to know their rights
Legal Sources:
Frequently Asked Questions
Next Steps
If you're tired of managing your mental health problems with drugs that don't cure you, Dianetics offers a real solution. It's not a quick fix, but it's a permanent one.
If you're interested in trying the Dianetics approach, you can order the Dianetics book in South Africa for R400 with free delivery to all provinces. The book provides the complete methodology for addressing the reactive mind and achieving lasting mental health improvements without medication.
For personalized guidance, professional Dianetics auditing services are available in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, and other major cities across South Africa.
Tony Peacock
Humanitarian & Mental Health Research Advocate
Published: 2024 • Updated: November 2025
Tony is an Australian who moved to South Africa and made it his home. At 25, he overcame drug and alcohol addiction through Dianetics after trying alternative healing approaches. He served as Church staff in Australia for 12 years before moving to SA in 2022. As a humanitarian and philanthropist, he has made significant contributions to mental health infrastructure across Southern Africa. His mission: help the able become more able using technology that makes people causative.