Posted by SLS on October 25, 2012, at 23:27:18
In reply to Re: (Corner-man rings the bell.) Anti-antipsychiatry » Phil, posted by Phillipa on October 25, 2012, at 20:49:22
> Medical diseases are objective and can be measured or seen with a blood test, MRI, x=ray, stetchescope, BP cuff, etc. While psychiatic is based on behaviors and symptoms seen by others and reports of how the person feels. Just my thoughts. Medical =measurable, psychiatic = subjective. In a great number of cases Phillipa
I understand why you feel this way.
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Bipolar Disorder (BD) are both medical diseases. Biological pathologies are demonstrated with these two illnesses. Just because we haven't had biological tests in the past does not indicate that none exist now or will exist in the future. There was a time when there was no biological test for identifying AIDS. Diagnosis was made by clinical observation.
There are a growing number biomarkers being considered to use as tests for MDD and BD. There are differences in genotype and epigenetic gene expression. A recently discovered genetic allelic marker codes for a modulator of the activity of 5 other genes needed to support the health of neuronal synapses. Excessive expression of this modulator is associated with MDD. PET scans, although not feasible as a cost-effective screening tool, consistently detect depressive disorders as well as their remission. Other biomarkers have been in existence for over 30 years. The dexamethasone suppression test (DST) is one of these as it demonstrates neuroendocrine abnormalities. It is not as reliable as imaging techniques, but represents some of the focus of biological psychiatry. Some will argue that these clinical measurements represent the result of depression rather than its cause. If these tests work, what's the difference?
MDD does not equal "depression". MDD is a clinical medical illness (syndrome) for which depressed mood is but one symptom.
- Scott
Some see things as they are and ask why.
I dream of things that never were and ask why not.- George Bernard Shaw
poster:SLS
thread:1029775
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20121018/msgs/1029821.html