Surprising Science — October 17, 2010

Mental Illness: Difficult Diagnosis

“The way diseases of the psyche are diagnosed is changing rapidly. Doctors are struggling to keep up.” The Economist on the vagueness mental illness diagnoses.

bigthinkeditor

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“What good is a diagnostic tool if it is too complicated for doctors to use? This is the dilemma facing psychiatry. In the United States the release back in February of a draft version of the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) has triggered a furious row over whether this tool has become too complex. Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation (WHO) points out that more than three-quarters of people with brain disorders in the developing world are not being treated, and on October 7th it released simplified guidelines for diagnosis and treatment designed especially for use by the front-line in medicine: primary-care doctors.”

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A man experiences Stendhal syndrome while smiling in front of a red light frame.

High Culture

The love of art drove a man to steal. Is this a real mental illness?

The strange case of cultured ultra-thief Stéphane Breitwieser — who claims “art is my drug” — has divided opinion. Is it Stendhal syndrome?

an old man sitting at a desk reading a book.

Neuropsych

The prevalence of mental illness around the world

A series of charts shows how prevalent different mental illnesses are across the globe — but how we define them matters.

Neuropsych

4 ways artificial intelligence is improving mental health therapy

The use of AI within mental health services could be a game-changer.

Collage of geopolitical symbols, featuring a close-up of a man's bald head, China's flag, a globe highlighting Taiwan, and circuit patterns.

The Present

Why the USSR and China fell behind the US in the Chip Cold War

Both nations made missteps, but China still has a chance to make up lost ground.

Person examining a petri dish with tweezers, holding small colored objects, against a dark background.

Health

Are microplastics really destroying our health?

They’re in our brains, hearts, and blood — but what are they doing to us?

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Surprising Science

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“Psychologist believes seeing images of skinny performers affects the way women and girls eat.” The Independent reports on a call for warning labels on TV programs.