Los Angeles, June 28 (Reuters): The American Psychiatric Association has sharply criticised Tom Cruise for the televised remarks in which he called psychiatry a “pseudo science” and disputed the value of anti-depressant drugs.

“It is irresponsible for Mr Cruise to use his movie publicity tour to promote his own ideological views and deter people with mental illness from getting the care they need,” association president Dr Steven Sharfstein said in a statement.

The body represents nearly 36,000 physicians specialising in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness.

“Rigorous, published, peer-reviewed research clearly demonstrates that treatment (of mental illness) works,” the statement said.

“It is unfortunate that in the face of this remarkable scientific and clinical progress that a small number of individuals and groups persist in questioning its legitimacy.”