"I have been a psychiatrist and psychotherapist for over 40 years and would like to make two points about the epidemic of mental illness now upon us. First, there is a mass of evidence that shows mental ill-being, suffering and disturbance, at all degrees of severity, are affected by the level of inequality in society and by social hardship such as poverty, violence and discrimination. Between them, this explains some of the increase we are seeing."
"Second, and more anecdotal, many patients who now come to see me want to discuss the possibility that they have ADHD or autism spectrum disorder, diagnoses that have contributed disproportionately to the statistics and often attract a sceptical press. Like Francis, I prefer to tread very lightly around labels, but I am finding some of the perspectives that are emerging through the study of neurodiversity can become a valuable part of the therapeutic conversation."
A psychiatrist with over 40 years' experience presents two core points: social inequality, poverty, violence and discrimination contribute substantially to mental ill-being across severity levels and explain part of the observed rise. Many patients now inquire about ADHD or autism spectrum disorder, which have disproportionately affected diagnostic statistics. Careful use of labels is advised. Perspectives from neurodiversity can become a useful therapeutic entry point, supporting the capacity to think about one's mind (mentalisation). Sensitively applying understanding of neurodiverse minds may, in some cases, prevent later severe mood disturbances or psychotic symptoms.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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