Podcast Summary
CVS Health's comprehensive healthcare services and Professor DeJonge's research on mental illness: CVS Health expands healthcare offerings, while Professor DeJonge emphasizes a holistic approach to understanding mental illness through ongoing research
CVS Health is making strides in providing comprehensive healthcare services, including virtual and in-person care, mental health support, in-home evaluations, and partnerships with Oak Street Health and Aetna. Meanwhile, in the realm of psychology, Professor Colin DeJonge from the University of Minnesota emphasizes the importance of defining mental illness as a whole, rather than focusing solely on individual disorders. Despite the lack of consensus on a definition, researchers continue to explore the biological and psychological aspects of mental illness, with Professor DeJonge's cybernetic big five theory being a notable contribution to the field. The conversation between the hosts and their guest highlighted the significance of ongoing research and collaboration in understanding and addressing mental health concerns.
Understanding mental illness as a hybrid construct: Mental illness is a complex condition influenced by both biology and sociocultural factors. Biological dysfunctions exist, but diagnosis and treatment are influenced by societal norms and values.
Mental illness is a complex phenomenon that exists at the intersection of biology and sociocultural factors. It's not purely socially constructed, nor is it purely naturalistic. Instead, it's best understood as a hybrid construct, where there is a real biological dysfunction, but the diagnosis and treatment are influenced by societal norms and judgments. For instance, in physical medicine, conditions like hypertension have a biological basis, but the diagnosis and treatment thresholds are arbitrary. Similarly, mental illnesses have biological underpinnings, but the diagnosis and treatment are influenced by societal beliefs and values. The theory being discussed in the conversation brings in cybernetic theory to provide a framework for understanding mental illness as a dynamic, self-regulating system. In the last few decades, there have been significant advances in neuroscience and genetics, shedding light on the biological basis of mental illnesses. However, the social and cultural dimensions of mental illness continue to be an important area of study and debate.
DSM's Categorical Approach to Mental Illness is Inaccurate: The current diagnostic system for mental illness, as outlined in the DSM, is not scientifically accurate due to its categorical approach. New systems like High TOP and NIMH are working to develop a more accurate and effective diagnostic system based on dimensions.
The current diagnostic system for mental illness, as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), is not scientifically accurate due to its categorical approach. Instead, mental illness should be viewed as existing on a spectrum, with symptoms and characteristics distributed throughout the system. The current system's use of categories instead of dimensions also fails to accurately identify groups of people with similar problems, making it difficult to effectively treat and help individuals. The Consortium for the Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology (High TOP) and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) are among the organizations working to develop a new diagnostic system based on dimensions, using empirical data to group symptoms and improve accuracy and effectiveness in identifying and treating mental disorders.
Redefining mental illness through a dimensional and cybernetic perspective: Mental illness is being redefined as a set of specific symptoms and underlying psychological and brain processes. The study of mania as a hyperactive reward system is an example. Once a dimensional system is established, defining a threshold and understanding self-regulation through feedback are crucial.
Mental illness is being redefined and approached in a more dimensional way, focusing on specific symptoms and the underlying psychological and brain processes. For instance, mania is being studied as a hyperactive reward system. This dimensional approach is being pursued by both clinical and scientific communities. However, once we have a dimensional system, we need to establish a threshold and define what mental illness means. Cybernetics, an interdisciplinary field, offers insights into goal-directed systems that self-regulate via feedback. This includes organisms and artificial systems. In psychology, a goal can be a concrete future we're committed to or a more abstract representation within the system. Plants, for example, are cybernetic systems that process inputs and work to bring about certain states in the world. Overall, this dimensional and cybernetic perspective can lead to a better understanding of mental illness and its underlying mechanisms.
Mental disorders defined by cybernetic dysfunction: Individuals with mental disorders cannot effectively meet their needs or pursue goals, and the DSM requires evidence of impairment or distress for diagnosis
According to the speaker, mental disorders or psychopathology are defined by cybernetic dysfunction, which means an individual does not have a mental disorder unless their unusual qualities prevent them from effectively meeting their needs or pursuing their goals in life. The speaker also mentioned that the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) requires evidence of impairment or distress before making a diagnosis. The speaker argued that some mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia, may not exist as distinct categories and that individuals with symptoms may not receive a diagnosis if they are not impaired or distressed.
Functioning with unusual behaviors doesn't mean having a disorder: DSM requires impairment for a diagnosis, focusing on individual's goals and abilities instead of symptoms
While someone may exhibit symptoms of psychosis, such as hallucinations and delusions, they may not be diagnosed with a psychotic disorder if they are functioning effectively in their daily lives. This distinction is important because the current diagnostic system recognizes that being unusual or abnormal does not automatically equate to having a mental disorder. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) requires the presence of impairment or dysfunction for a diagnosis. However, the focus on statistical deviance and symptoms may change in the future with advancements in brain research. Instead, the emphasis should be on an individual's ability to pursue their goals in life despite any unusual or impairing conditions they may have. The study of clairvoyants, who have auditory hallucinations but are functioning effectively, highlights this distinction.
Understanding Goals and Prioritization from a Cybernetic Perspective: Goals are essential for life, but prioritization and adaptation are crucial to maintain mental health. Unusual brain function doesn't always equate to mental illness if one can adapt and pursue goals effectively.
From a cybernetic perspective, goals are broadly defined to include basic needs and whatever people are trying to achieve in life, consciously or unconsciously. However, it's important to consider all of a person's goals and how they prioritize them, as one goal may be detrimental to others. Mental disorder and psychopathology are not the same, and having unusual brain function does not automatically mean someone is mentally ill if their life is still functional. The distinction lies in the ability to adapt and come up with new strategies to pursue goals effectively. A cybernetic system, including the human mind, can correct its course, and temporary setbacks do not necessarily equate to mental illness.
Understanding Mental Health: Objective Reality vs Subjective Diagnosis: Mental health involves both objective reality of mental disorders and subjective diagnosis, with personality traits and adaptations playing crucial roles.
Mental health goes beyond the inability to pursue goals effectively. It also encompasses the inability to develop new strategies or goals when faced with challenges. This objective reality is what psychopathology represents. However, the diagnosis of a mental disorder is subjective and depends on societal and medical decisions regarding intervention. Personality traits, such as argumentativeness, are universal and have been used to describe differences between people throughout history. Characteristic adaptations, on the other hand, are specific ways we adapt to our life circumstances and culture, requiring learning and persistence over time. These concepts are not mutually exclusive and provide a nuanced understanding of mental health and its complex relationship with personality.
Personality as a collection of adaptations: Personality is not fixed, but a dynamic collection of adaptations shaped by roles, experiences, and circumstances. These adaptations influence behavior and thought patterns, and can help individuals manage various brain imprints, including mental illnesses.
Personality is not a fixed trait but rather a collection of adaptations shaped by our roles, experiences, and circumstances. These adaptations, also known as characteristic adaptations or habits, influence our behavior and thought patterns. The density distribution model of personality suggests that individuals have stable average tendencies, but there is room for variation within their behavior. For instance, an extrovert may exhibit introverted behavior at times, but on average, they are more outgoing and talkative than an introvert. Characteristic adaptations can help individuals manage or even thrive with various brain imprints, including those that could be classified as mental illnesses. For example, hearing voices could be a result of the brain's simulation programs, and individuals who experience this may deal with it by acknowledging and understanding the nature of their experience. Overall, personality is complex and dynamic, and it's essential to recognize the role of adaptations in shaping who we are.
Shifting perspective on mental health: Recognize unique adaptations, challenge DSM's labeling approach, and focus on coping mechanisms and personal goals for mental health.
Our understanding and approach to mental health and disorders should shift from a labeling and stigmatizing perspective to recognizing the unique ways individuals adapt to their experiences. The DSM, which has been the standard for diagnosing mental disorders, is based on checklists of symptoms and has limited scientific foundation. A more nuanced and dimensional approach, considering individual habits of thinking and acting, can lead to effective coping mechanisms and even thriving. This perspective parallels the need to move beyond IQ tests in understanding intelligence and focusing on personal goals and well-being.
A new approach to mental health diagnosis: The cybernetic theory proposes a shift from labeling mental health conditions to focusing on individual values and goals, potentially leading to a more personalized approach to diagnosis and treatment.
The cybernetic theory, which is being developed as a theory of well-being, proposes a radical shift in the way mental health issues are diagnosed and understood. Instead of focusing on specific mental health conditions and their corresponding symptoms, this theory emphasizes the importance of individual values and goals. The theory also suggests that cybernetic dysfunction, or the inability to pursue what one values and needs, is a necessary condition for a mental disorder diagnosis. This theory, which goes beyond the hierarchical taxonomy of psychopathology, could potentially lead to a single diagnosis of "you have a problem in your life," allowing for a more individualized approach to understanding and addressing mental health issues. Clinically, this approach is not new, as psychologists often try to understand patients as individuals rather than labels. However, this perspective is counter to the current obsession with labeling and categorizing mental health conditions for insurance and medication purposes.
Identifying Cybernetic Dysfunction and Diagnosing Psychopathology: Cybernetic dysfunction, or being blocked from important goals, can lead to a psychopathology diagnosis. However, diagnosis depends on severity and availability of treatment, not just objective science.
Identifying cybernetic dysfunction, which refers to being blocked from important goals and unable to explore new strategies, is an objective question. However, whether or not someone receives a diagnosis for psychopathology based on this dysfunction is not purely objective and depends on various factors, including the severity of the dysfunction and the availability of treatment. The diagnosis is not just based on science but also involves judgments about when to intervene and provide treatment. It's important to note that not everyone who has a problem is motivated to change, and dealing with such individuals can be a complex issue. Ultimately, the goal is to help individuals reach a point in their lives where they are motivated to change and pursue their goals effectively.
Addressing Harmful Individuals: Legal and Societal Approaches: The theory suggests some individuals who manipulate and harm others might not be mentally ill, but their actions have societal consequences. Legal and societal interventions can be used to address their behaviors.
Diagnosing mental illness is not the only way to address people who cause suffering. According to the theory discussed, individuals who successfully manipulate and harm others while meeting their own goals might not be mentally ill, but their actions could still have societal consequences. The theory suggests that some things are better handled through legal or societal means, rather than labeling them as mentally ill. Additionally, the theory can be used to identify and intervene in cases where individuals exhibit traits linked to psychopathy, such as callousness and disregard for others, before they develop into full-blown psychopathy. However, the theory does not change fundamental principles regarding intervening in cases of self-harm or harm to others, particularly children or those at risk of suicide.
Understanding Individual Differences in Goals and Needs: Respecting individual differences in goals and needs is crucial for mental health. Check-in on common human needs while considering unique personality profiles and goals to help individuals adapt and thrive.
People's goals and needs can vary greatly, and what may be harmful or indicative of mental health issues for one person may not be the same for another. While some goals, like basic needs, are universally important, it's essential to recognize and respect the unique differences in individuals. For instance, someone at risk of destroying their own lives or putting others at risk due to pedophilic tendencies may require intervention due to both mental health and legal concerns. However, it's crucial to remember that different people have different needs and that even those with seemingly unusual or minimal social needs can still be considered healthy if they can satisfy their other goals. In clinical practice, it's important to check-in on the common human needs, such as connection, autonomy, competence, and esteem, while also considering the individual's unique personality profile and goals. Ultimately, the goal is to help individuals adapt and thrive, whether that means adjusting goals in response to external circumstances or finding ways to live in a way that aligns with their unique needs and desires.
Behavioral and talk therapies are more effective for mental health treatment: Behavioral and talk therapies, such as CBT, DBT, and ACT, are more effective in addressing the root causes of mental health issues by helping individuals reshape their habits, thoughts, and actions, compared to pharmaceuticals.
While pharmaceuticals have their place in mental health treatment, there is a greater emphasis that should be placed on behavioral and talk therapies. According to the speaker, these methods are more effective in helping individuals develop and maintain effective characteristic adaptations, which is the root cause of psychopathology. The speaker is skeptical about the overuse of pharmaceuticals due to their non-targeted effects and marginal success rates compared to placebos. Instead, they suggest focusing on helping people reshape their habits, thoughts, and actions through interventions like CBT, DBT, and ACT. The speaker also advocates for more research on these non-drug based interventions, as they address the root causes of mental health issues rather than just the symptoms. Ultimately, the goal is to help individuals overcome maladaptive behaviors and adopt new, persistent habits that enable them to effectively pursue their goals.
Exploring the Mind, Brain, Behavior, and Creativity with Colin DeYoung: Colin DeYoung's research on personality and its application to psychology and psychiatry is a game-changer. Listeners can learn more by checking out the provided links and joining the discussion online or becoming a supporter of the podcast.
Colin DeYoung's research on the neuroscience of personality and its application to the daily work of psychologists and psychiatrists is a revolutionary step forward. DeYoung's complex theories were unpacked during the podcast, making the subject more accessible to the audience. For those interested in learning more, links to relevant papers will be provided. The discussion was a fun and engaging exploration of the mind, brain, behavior, and creativity. Listeners are encouraged to join the discussion at thepsychologypodcast.com or become a supporter of the show at patreon.com/psychpodcast. Tune in next time for more insightful conversations on the mind, brain, behavior, and creativity. Additionally, Tiffany Cross invites you to listen to Across Generations, where the voices of black women unite for intergenerational conversations. And if your business needs funding, consider Green Star Capital Funding for revenue-based solutions with a 94% approval rate, no collateral, and no tax returns required. Apply now at greenstarcf.com.
