Kenneth Anderson
Kenneth Anderson
Don't Call Me Diseased!
Don't Call Me Diseased!
Don't Call Me Diseased!
Wednesday 11th February 2015
Matthew Lebowitz discusses how biological explanations for mental disorders can impact clinicians' empathy on Harm Reduction Radio.
58 minutes
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Kenneth Anderson
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Get the buttons here!Challenging the 'Disease' Label: Matthew Lebowitz on Clinicians' Empathy
Biological explanations promote those kinds of essentialist beliefs, and so it's possible that we're contributing to the stigmatization of patients with substance dependence.
Ever wondered how the way we talk about mental disorders affects the care people receive? In this episode of Harm Reduction Radio, Kenneth Anderson chats with Matthew Lebowitz from Yale University to dive into this very question. They explore the idea that labeling mental disorders as purely biological can actually reduce the empathy clinicians feel towards their patients. This isn't just academic chatter; it has real-world consequences for people struggling with substance dependence and other mental health issues.
Lebowitz introduces us to concepts like genetic and neuroessentialism—big words that boil down to seeing mental disorders as hardwired into our biology. While this might seem like a scientific approach, it often leads to more stigma and less compassionate care. The conversation also tackles how these biological explanations stack up against psychosocial ones when it comes to clinical utility. Spoiler: it's not always a clear win for the biological side.
The episode wraps up by discussing how these different perspectives can affect patient outcomes. If you've ever felt misunderstood by a healthcare provider or are curious about the invisible forces shaping mental health care, this episode is a must-listen. It's an eye-opener that challenges us to rethink how we understand and treat mental disorders.