# Sailing between Scylla and Charybdis: invited response to ‘Blame or discovery?’

## TL;DR

This paper discusses the challenges of fairly representing psychiatrists in historical research without bias or blame.

## Contribution

It offers a balanced perspective on the dual risks of hagiography and accusations in psychiatric history.

## Key findings

- Historical research risks hagiographic portrayals of psychiatrists.
- Accusations of self-interest and oppression can distort historical narratives.
- Balanced approaches are needed to navigate these dual dangers.

## Abstract

This brief commentary reflects on navigating two dangers of historical research into psychiatry: hagiographic representations of psychiatrists; and accusations of their self-interest and oppression of vulnerable people.