No stone left unturned
The claim that psychiatric diagnosis is “an art, not a science” is a dangerous myth, often perpetuated to the detriment of those struggling with mental illness. This misconception implies a reliance on subjective guesswork rather than the rigorous application of scientific principles that underpin other medical fields. While psychiatric diagnosis certainly presents unique complexities, it …
Research into this was prompted by the utterances of one Gabor Maté – a former Canadian Physician of world fame. This article will spend some time initially debunking Gabor Maté’s statements on ADHD. Gabor Maté is welcomed to sue me, at any time of the day or night! I would relish days in court and …
Schizophrenia is a widely understood and misunderstood mental health condition. Many mental health professionals believe they ‘know’ what schizophrenia is. Ideas ‘about delusions and hallucinations’ just scratch the surface, as will be seen when ICD-11 criteria are explored. While the publisher and author(s) have used their best efforts in preparing information at this website, they …
Mania is more than just a fleeting burst of energy or an elevated mood; it is a profound and potentially devastating mental health condition that can derail lives if not properly understood and managed. For those experiencing a manic episode, the world becomes a frenetic and often dangerous place, where judgement is impaired, and reality …
Depression is often misunderstood as mere sadness or a fleeting blue mood. In reality it is a complex and debilitating mental health condition that affects millions worldwide. The World Health Organisation’s International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision (ICD-11) provides a comprehensive framework for diagnosing and understanding depressive episodes, distinguishing them from everyday fluctuations in mood. …
Neurological examination remains an important component of comprehensive psychiatric assessment, often overlooked in the era of advanced neuroimaging and laboratory tests. For psychiatrists, a basic neurological exam serves multiple critical functions: The interplay between neurological and psychiatric symptoms is complex, with many conditions blurring the lines between these traditionally separate domains. A skilled psychiatrist’s ability …
Catatonia is a complex syndrome that affects how a person moves and behaves. It is as if the body and mind get stuck or frozen in unusual ways. People with catatonia might become very still, almost statue-like, or they might repeat the same movements over and over. Sometimes, they have trouble speaking or responding to …
The biopsychosocial model is a comprehensive approach to understanding mental health that integrates biological, psychological, and social factors. This model recognises that mental health and illness are the result of complex interactions between these domains, rather than being caused by a single factor. Biological aspects encompass genetic predispositions, neurochemical imbalances, and physical health conditions. Psychological …
The WHO’s ICD-11 “Clinical descriptions and diagnostic requirements for ICD-11 mental, behavioural and neurodevelopmental disorders“, the latest revision, building on ICD-10, has introduced rigorous requirements for personality disorder diagnosis. [This article is not designed for viewing on mobile devices. It is better to use a tablet, laptop or desktop screen for viewing.] The clinical aims …
Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (Complex PTSD or cPTSD) represents a profound and multifaceted condition categorised within the trauma and stressor-related disorders in the ICD-11. Emerging out of exposure to severe, repetitive, or prolonged traumatic events, such as long-term abuse, violence, or profound neglect, cPTSD encapsulates not only the core symptoms of PTSD, which include re-experiencing …
