Reply #64: The cross cultural study of mental illness supports your theories [View All]

observations.

Some mental illness is found (or labeled as such) in only certain cultures. And even this research isn't well done.

But I do believe that some of the brain chemistry concepts for specific mental illness may have a valid foundation -- some forms of manic depression (also known as bi-polar disease) can be treated with lithium. Patty Duke suffered the symptoms of this disease for years until she was diagnosed and treated with lithium.

There is some suggestion that Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia are different sides of the same coin-- too much of one brain chemical in one case and not enough in another.

But there is no one drug fits all -- and most if not all of these drugs have powerful side-effect. Fitting specific drugs to specific personalities is not something that is done very well in this country.

Also an individual really has to want to get well -- and participate in the treatment. The fact is that some manic-depressive like the highs and they will put up with the lows in order to ride the highs. Some schizophrenic like the voices in their heads and will fight the medication -- also there are unpleasant side effects with many of these drugs.

The brain is a major chemical factory -- and the research has only just begun -- and has probably gone backward 40 years in the last 4 years.

(These are just general remarks -- there are several shelves devoted to mental health research in most large libraries.)

Humm -- so first "they" and test and then drug the kids -- state issued drugs are good. Next they test and then drug the parents. Everyone is happy, everyone is peaceful, everyone goes to church on Sunday and everyone listens to Fox News all day, every day.