Comments on: Fish Oil the Latest in Psychiatric Treatment? http://www.mindofmodernity.com/fish-oil-the-latest-in-psychiatric-treatment Exploring modern culture and its effects on the mind Mon, 22 Aug 2011 12:08:36 -0400 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.5 hourly 1 By: David http://www.mindofmodernity.com/fish-oil-the-latest-in-psychiatric-treatment/comment-page-1#comment-37 David Wed, 03 Feb 2010 18:27:07 +0000 http://www.mindofmodernity.com/?p=250#comment-37 It may help to read <a href="http://www.mindofmodernity.com/greenfeld-talk-at-bates-college" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">this post</a> I wrote back in December in which I briefly summarize my understanding of Liah Greenfeld's theory of mental illness. The short answer is that while Greenfeld absolutely recognizes schizophrenia and other mental illnesses as biochemically real, she sees culture as the primary cause of mental illness. While many sociologists and anthropologists are working to demonstrate, (as you suggest with your question), how culture shapes mental disorders, Greenfeld goes a giant step beyond anyone I've come across by claiming that culture doesn't just shape but actually causes mental illness. This controversial theory is one of the main reasons that this blog exists, so don't think I'll let this very incomplete response stand for long. My view on the fish oil treatment is pretty much the same as my view on all psychiatric medication - if it helps regulate or restore normal brain function in some way, it very well may be helpful in dealing with the symptoms or slowing the course of mental illness. But I think the fact that many studies have shown that medication is not nearly as effective alone as when combined with therapy suggests that mental illness is much more than a brain malfunction. If the mind - as Greenfeld describes it, the individualized cultural process which takes place in the brain- is not set right, then simply tweaking brain chemistry is unlikely to solve the whole problem. It may help to read this post I wrote back in December in which I briefly summarize my understanding of Liah Greenfeld’s theory of mental illness. The short answer is that while Greenfeld absolutely recognizes schizophrenia and other mental illnesses as biochemically real, she sees culture as the primary cause of mental illness. While many sociologists and anthropologists are working to demonstrate, (as you suggest with your question), how culture shapes mental disorders, Greenfeld goes a giant step beyond anyone I’ve come across by claiming that culture doesn’t just shape but actually causes mental illness. This controversial theory is one of the main reasons that this blog exists, so don’t think I’ll let this very incomplete response stand for long.

My view on the fish oil treatment is pretty much the same as my view on all psychiatric medication – if it helps regulate or restore normal brain function in some way, it very well may be helpful in dealing with the symptoms or slowing the course of mental illness. But I think the fact that many studies have shown that medication is not nearly as effective alone as when combined with therapy suggests that mental illness is much more than a brain malfunction. If the mind – as Greenfeld describes it, the individualized cultural process which takes place in the brain- is not set right, then simply tweaking brain chemistry is unlikely to solve the whole problem.

]]> By: Michael Lo Stracco http://www.mindofmodernity.com/fish-oil-the-latest-in-psychiatric-treatment/comment-page-1#comment-36 Michael Lo Stracco Wed, 03 Feb 2010 04:58:18 +0000 http://www.mindofmodernity.com/?p=250#comment-36 I can’t speak to the alleviation of psychotic symptoms, but I will say that having taken Fish Oil (Omega-3s) capsules for a couple months now, I do recognize an increased acuity of cognitive processing capabilities, attention span, focus, and over-all wellness. However, this has been accompanied by a consistent workout routine, good sleep and dedicated meditation practices, so who knows; it’s a comprehensive approach! I have been told by a friend who studies nutrition that an increase in certain vitamin and mineral intakes (including all the Omega fatty acids) is extremely beneficial to the brain, as well as other organs. But in your opinion, how does this study reckon with the idea of the cultural-shaping of mental disorders? Clearly, there is a biochemical origin in the case of schizophrenia, among others, no? I can’t speak to the alleviation of psychotic symptoms, but I will say that having taken Fish Oil (Omega-3s) capsules for a couple months now, I do recognize an increased acuity of cognitive processing capabilities, attention span, focus, and over-all wellness. However, this has been accompanied by a consistent workout routine, good sleep and dedicated meditation practices, so who knows; it’s a comprehensive approach!
I have been told by a friend who studies nutrition that an increase in certain vitamin and mineral intakes (including all the Omega fatty acids) is extremely beneficial to the brain, as well as other organs. But in your opinion, how does this study reckon with the idea of the cultural-shaping of mental disorders? Clearly, there is a biochemical origin in the case of schizophrenia, among others, no?

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