4 ms·

Mental health diagnoses are mostly based on vague symptoms that could described a number of "disorders" and are all firmly based in the values of the patient's

by stirner 10y ago

Mental health diagnoses are mostly based on vague symptoms that could described a number of "disorders" and are all firmly based in the values of the patient's society. Psychiatry is more or less a pseudo-science [1]. I don't mean to imply that unhinged delusions should be entertained, or for the deluded to be received as enlightened as this article seems to suggest. I do think we need a least a modicum of empiricism in psychiatry before the field can be taken seriously. [1] https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Controversy_surrounding_psychiatry https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Controversy_surrounding_psyc...

ap22213 10y ago
Many of the things described in that reference could be applied to medicine, in general. And, probably other sciences where Human-crafted models cannot possibly account for all influential variables (i.e. Economics, etc.) These days, when one is diagnosed with a major mental disease (in contrast to a minor one that's managable with physical or mental exercise e.g. CBT), the treatment process is very experimental. The doctor presents a long list of chemicals that are known to alter different chemical pathways. Then they choose one or more with the fewest negative side-effects. Then, it's a process of trial and error until the right mixture is found. If the doctor is competent and ethical, which many are, then at each step they weigh the risks against the benefits. Many, but not all, patients eventually find the right mixture that allows them to live a relatively 'normal' life. The side effects are tolerated because the alternatives are stark - usually dissociation or early death. I'm certain that many of these diseases are aggravated by our self-imposed habits, rituals, and culture. But, to be a Human unfortunately means tolerating pain for potential future gain.
- stirner 10y ago
  One big difference between psychiatry and other areas of medicine is that other areas of medicine do not base every diagnosis on a single manual (the DSM).
- deleted 10y ago
  [deleted]

by stirner 10y ago

ap22213 10y ago

Many of the things described in that reference could be applied to medicine, in general. And, probably other sciences where Human-crafted models cannot possibly account for all influential variables (i.e. Economics, etc.) These days, when one is diagnosed with a major mental disease (in contrast to a minor one that's managable with physical or mental exercise e.g. CBT), the treatment process is very experimental. The doctor presents a long list of chemicals that are known to alter different chemical pathways. Then they choose one or more with the fewest negative side-effects. Then, it's a process of trial and error until the right mixture is found. If the doctor is competent and ethical, which many are, then at each step they weigh the risks against the benefits. Many, but not all, patients eventually find the right mixture that allows them to live a relatively 'normal' life. The side effects are tolerated because the alternatives are stark - usually dissociation or early death. I'm certain that many of these diseases are aggravated by our self-imposed habits, rituals, and culture. But, to be a Human unfortunately means tolerating pain for potential future gain.

stirner 10y ago
One big difference between psychiatry and other areas of medicine is that other areas of medicine do not base every diagnosis on a single manual (the DSM).
deleted 10y ago
[deleted]