Psychological Industry

 

Psychological Industry

The first day of medical school the teacher says “A patient cured is a customer lost.” The healing arts can be a great benefit to society but, since humans are involved results are mixed. The study of mental and behavioral processes is indeed an interesting field of study. When pursuing my PhD several realities became apparent. The social sciences are known as the 'soft sciences' because the difference between a chemical process that has repeatable, precise, empirical results the soft science are not as clear cut. If you speak about your experiences and it changes your behavior is that a result of therapy or an internal decision? In other words it is difficult to determine that 17 minutes of therapy will reduce your depression by 9% with any accuracy. Here are some thoughts and insights from a student of the human condition.

The DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) is the “bible” of psychology, outlining what is a mental disorder. Over the years cultural influences have changed what is defined as a mental illness. Not that long ago homosexuality and gender dysphoria were defined as mental disorders. It is valid to try and define “abnormal behavior” and apply the scientific method to studying and perhaps changing that behavior. Not everything abnormal is bad. An individual that is musically gifted or a theoretical physicist are not “normal” but bring gifts that improve society. A person with out empathy that manipulates or murders for sport is also not “normal” but and that behavior is detrimental.

Some of the benefits of studying behavior and mental processes include discovering that some behaviors maybe indeed chemical imbalances. The major issue with “Western” medicine in general is that treating symptoms is easier than resolving the cause. Prescribing medication to control gout rather than changing lifestyle. The trap many people discover is that the medication that makes the spots disappear has side effects that require more drugs to mask. Many people end up taking multiple drugs for the rest of their lives.

Psychotherapy is another method to help people deal with behavioral issues. “You will feel better if you just talk about it.” This can be true. My observation of the industry is that the therapist is often only marginally more adapted to society than their clients. Psychologists have the fourth highest suicide rate among health care professionals. There are many possible causes of this phenomenon. Regardless some people benefit from the practice and others are caught in an endless cycle that never “cures” them and provides a steady income to an entire industry.

In my humble opinion many therapists provide people what they want, only a few give them what they need. Some people want to change their behavior and many others are looking for an excuse to continue their behavior. If you are diagnosed with bablygook and thus not to blame for your actions you are free to continue doom scrolling in isolation and take drugs to mask your depression. This is a highly profitable course of action for the industry since you will require continual treatment. On the other hand, if changing the way you interpret your bosses' advice allows you to forgive them and improves your outlook on life that is a win.

Seeking help is a sign of strength. With many advisors better decisions are possible. The wisdom to choose the correct course of action is the challenge. My assessment of the helping industry is that it may have benefit but requires discretion. Unfortunately, when you are in the midst of the storm any port seems safe. Many people are trapped in unhealthy cycles of behavior that can be profitable to others. There are however mental disorders that benefit from the industry and the study of human behavior may continue to prove useful.