Posted by violette on July 15, 2010, at 18:58:29
In reply to Re: Progress of Psychiatry » violette, posted by chujoe on July 13, 2010, at 12:09:56
Well I read the transcript 9, which is where the excerpt came from. Not too much new information there, but it was good to see 2 of the main researchers have bipolar and schitzophrenia.
One of the researchers stressed how significant psychodynamic therapy was to her progress and ability to lead a better life. It's promising to hear of researchers speak of those conclusions rather than promoting an assembly line of mental health patients treated according to some DSM code.
But I didn't have an overal positive feeling since that type of therapy is inaccessible to many people with mental illnesses. Those who need help the most, such as those unable to sustain employment-absolutely do not have access to that type of treatment. As others pointed out, and like other economic sectors, money has a large influence. Which is why how research funds are directed is so important.
Chujoe, in regard to your question: Is the history of psychiatry different in some fundamental way from the history of other branches of medicine?
Well, yes, because there's more subjectivity involved, i.e.-homosexuality was a 'mental illness' until (I think) the 80s. Also, because emotions are not tangible-you can't see or feel hopelessness. A doctor who never experienced depression may not be able to emphathize as a doctor treating any of the large number of conditions that involve pain. People seem to identify most with what they themselves can see and feel... I guess those are more obvious differences that may have contributed to the history of psychiatry.
poster:violette
thread:954237
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20100709/msgs/954607.html