Movie superstarTom Cruise has hit out at Hollywood's therapy culture, insisting the practice of psychiatry is a "waste of time" and should be made illegal.

While many American stars admit attending regular sessions with probing therapists, Cruise follows the line of thinking adopted by his religion, the controversial Church Of Scientology, and refuses to accept psychiatry as a legitimate form of self-improvement.

The actor, 41, says, "I think it's an utter waste of time. There's nothing scientific about it.

"Communication is a good thing but I think people get more mentally out of having a good meal or going for a walk.

"I think psychiatry should be outlawed. I can't believe electric shock therapy is still used. I think it definitely does more harm than good."

08/01/2004 14:04