Tom Cruise's latest tirade against psychiatry inspired physician-columnist for the Telegraph Max Pemberton to go undercover in London's Scientology Headquarters.

I told her I was feeling low and she told me I was suffering from depression and that it was likely to be caused by someone near to me, possibly a friend or member of my family. Alarm bells were now ringing full volume. Fear not, I was assured by the wide-eyed, smiling Sharon, Scientology could help.

She wanted to tell me more, she said as she gently guided me further into the building, which was milling with people. The majority of illnesses, she explained, including diabetes, cancer, schizophrenia and depression, were the result of our being "suppressed" by other people, but this suppression could be cleared away by Scientology. Or I think that was what she told me. Her words were cloaked in impenetrable language, which I was informed could be further explained, at a price, on one of the courses run by the centre.

Sharon wouldn't elaborate further - she wanted me to sign up for a course - but I've since learnt that Scientologists believe depression is best alleviated by removing the sufferer's covering of tiny disembodied souls of aliens dispersed by the Galactic Federation leader Xenu. Ah, yes, I think I missed that lecture at medical school.

This is no joke, though. Scientologists are aiming their "teachings" at people with mental health problems, some of the most vulnerable in society. MORE