Healthy Skepticism Library item: 5655

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Publication type: Journal Article

Herlihyj , Gandy , J
Causation and explanation
The Psychologist 2002 May 1; 15:(5):248-251

Notes:

Quote:
Neurological reductionism may have become so ingrained in popular
consciousness because it offers comfort to those suffering from a
disorder. Receiving a diagnosis of a specific physical illness after perhaps
months of unexplained symptoms comes as a relief for many (Chadwick, 1995).
Similarly,

Swedo’s work on the neurology of OCD has been enthusiastically embraced
by at least one support group in America (Brown, 1997). It seems that no
one wants to have a ‘mental illness’; a brain disorder or physical disease
seems so much more worthy of sympathy. This dualism allows us to be
responsible for our minds but the victims of our bodies.