Posted by Noa on September 11, 1999, at 18:21:23
In reply to anafranil, posted by Laura on September 11, 1999, at 12:21:27
Ian, why must it be one way or the other? I believe the relationship between biology and environment is highly interactive and interdependent. Sure, psychotherapy helps to address patterns of negative thinking, etc. But there have been studies showing how environmentally-initiated experiences have changed brain functioning and vise versa. Have you read Jamison/Goodwin textbook on Manic Depressive Illness? I think it is pretty clear that for many people, cognitive therapy is not going to make a dent in a serious illness. Breggin may have done some good work, but he is radically in one corner and it is hard for me to take him seriously anymore because his opinions are so radical and unyielding. For me, happiness does not come in a pill. Survival comes in a pill,and once I am able maintain a sufficiently functional level, I can work to build happiness for myself. But without the medication, I would either be DEAD or perpetually stuck in a hellish depression. Have you ever experienced this yourself? Do you know what it feels like?
poster:Noa
thread:11417
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19990829/msgs/11433.html