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Does Evidence-Based Medicine Discourage Richer Assessment of Psychopathology and Treatment?
The paradigm for modern psychiatry is evidence-based medicine (EBM)—it represents proven treatments for defined diagnoses. But there are major problems with this position, starting with the fact that while they are superior to placebo, evidence-based treatments too often are ineffective. Does Evidence-Based Medicine Discourage Richer Assessment of Psychopathology and Treatment? (link) By Simon Sobo, MD | April 5, 2012 Dr Sobo practices psychiatry in Northwestern Connecticut. Many of his other articles can be found at his Web site, www.simonsobo.com. The paradigm for modern psychiatry is evidence-based medicine (EBM)—it represents proven treatments for defined diagnoses. But there are major problems with this position, starting with the fact that while they are…
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Dialectical Behavior Therapy vs. Mentalization-Based Therapy: What are the Differences?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Mentalization-Based Therapy (MBT) are two therapies often used in Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) treatment. Both strive to help those who are severely disordered and highly emotionally dysregulated to manage their emotions. But what is the difference between the two? Dialectical Behavior Therapy vs. Mentalization-Based Therapy: What are the Differences? (link) Feb 07, 2012 Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Mentalization-Based Therapy (MBT) are two therapies often used in Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) treatment. Both strive to help those who are severely disordered and highly emotionally dysregulated to manage their emotions. But what is the difference between the two? Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Marsha Linehan’s initial goal…
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Mentalization and understanding the minds of others
I spoken about mentalization on this site before. Since I’ve lately been on a TED talk kick, mainly watching TED talks about neuroscience, I wanted to post this one from Rebecca Saxe which is called “How we read each other’s minds”. It is basically describing the process of mentalizing and how a certain part of the brain, the Right Temporo-Parietal Junction, is highly specialized for seeking to understand the motivations of others, the essence of mentalization. What is fascinating about this talk is her use of the pirate/cheese sandwich story with children of various ages. She demonstrates how the process of mentalization develops over time. I talked about another mentalization test (which is based on…
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A failure to mentalize – Mentalization Information Part 2
Often, when speaking with someone who is a close “attachment person,” misunderstandings, assumptions and ineffective modes of thinking creep into the situation. Bateman identifies several “modes” of thinking that inhibit mentalization. These modes are: Psychic Equivalence – when the world is equivalent to the person’s mind. This is the “feelings = facts” mode. “If I feel sad, there must be someone/something that made me sad.” Pretend – mental states are not anchored in reality. Pretending “as if” something is true, when external evidence shows the contrary. This is “bullshitting” mode. Teleological – mental states can only be expressed in action. “If you loved me, you’d buy me a car.” Only…
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Mentalization Information Part 1
What is mentalization? Basically, mentalization is the connection of mind to mind in a particular exchange. It is about in-the-moment interaction, not about the past or future. It is about communicating and understanding your and the other person’s explicit and implicit expressions and motivations, feelings, goals, etc. It is about accurately expressing yourself and listening to the other person in a search for meaning. It is about internalizing the other’s viewpoint and having the other internalize your viewpoint. A really good example of mentalizing is an inside joke – both you and the other person completely understand the meaning of the joke and have internalized the meaning. Jerry Holmes, a…
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Social Problems in Teens Can Lead to Personality Disorders
A new research study looks at how adolescents think, how disordered thinking can take root, and how this thought pattern can ultimately lead to an adult personality disorder. An article from psychcentral about a study indicating that social problems in teens can lead to personality disorders: Social Problems in Teens Can Lead to Personality Disorders By Rick Nauert PhD Senior News Editor Reviewed by John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on September 29, 2011 A new research study looks at how adolescents think, how disordered thinking can take root, and how this thought pattern can ultimately lead to an adult personality disorder. The study examines the relationship between borderline personality disorder (BPD)…