3 ms·
I'd like to pull the full quote, which is more nuanced: >As I argue in my book Chemically Imbalanced (2020), to defeat this othering and reduce stigma, clinica
by jml7c5 6y ago
I'd like to pull the full quote, which is more nuanced:
>As I argue in my book Chemically Imbalanced (2020), to defeat this othering and reduce stigma, clinical practice needs to move away from biogenetic causal language. Psychiatric research doesn’t support the notion of simple cause and effect in mental health, instead uncovering a far more complex and indeterminate picture of vulnerabilities. There is no evidence to justify the continued promotion of one-dimensional theories such as ‘chemical imbalance’. Nor does the beneficial use of psychiatric medicines require it. In fact, their precise mechanism of action and relation to troublesome experience remains a mystery. It would be more truthful for mental health professionals and public health campaigns to acknowledge this.
It's helpful to note the flipped the burden of proof here: the author argues there is no evidence for "chemical imbalance" language, not that there is evidence against "chemical imbalance" language. I see it as an admission of uncertainty rather than claim of knowledge; the use of the somewhat tepid phrases "need to move away from", and "complex and indeterminate picture" are a further sign the statements are not categorical.
Though I could have misunderstood their thesis. I'll find out once I've read the book, I suppose. :-)