Posted by Miguy on October 30, 2000, at 19:38:03
In reply to Does Mental Illness Exist? Feedback Requested!, posted by pullmarine on October 29, 2000, at 21:18:59
This guy must not have an overabudance of clients if he has the time to blather nonsensically for that long. How many of you, when ill (whether a "real" illness or not) visit an attorney for answers? Does this man go to the doctor for legal advice? I'm not saying he can't comment on the subject, but he ought to at least take a serious look at the consensus of the medical community at large. How arrogant to take a stand against something out of your field, having no evidence, when the vast majority of those *in* the field disagree!
Sure he quoted some doctors. Big deal! They agreed with him! One who is truly logical, wise and honest will present all opposing views and refute them individually. He will accomplish this with *evidence*.
It's true, there's a whole lot we don't know about the mind. We don't know a lot about the drugs that we use to treat it either, except that they seem to work. The search to determine how will bring greater understanding of the processes that bring the conditions in the first place, and perhaps aid us in their prevention.
I think I understand where he is coming from. I too have been frustrated with the "mental illness" or "temporary insanity" defense. We could argue ad nauseum about whether these are valid, but the fact is that a crime was committed. I want the criminal off the streets regardless of the specific mental processes involved.
It's true that mental illness is often initiated and perpetuated by life events. But the illness that ensues is very real. Since many heart attacks are instigated by severe stress, does that mean that heart disease is a man's denial of his stress problem? No. Then why is it when a life event such as divorce initiates panic attacks it is "all in my head"?
I think this guy wanted to write a paper, but didn't really want to take the time to understand the topic and give it a fair shake.
There. That's off my chest.
< < Stepping down off my soapbox...... > >
Scott
poster:Miguy
thread:47722
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20001022/msgs/47772.html