The Couch, the Clinic and the Scanner: Changing Models of Psychiatry Over the Past 5 Decades-View Recording

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Video Summary

David Hellerstein reflects on the evolution of psychiatry over the past few decades, drawing from his experiences since attending his first APA meeting in 1985. He recalls witnessing the shift from psychoanalytic psychiatry to DSM-based psychiatry and now to the current epoch of neuroscience. Hellerstein highlights the ongoing transformation with the resurgence of psychedelics as potential treatments. He notes that while previous methods such as the DSM provided structured approaches, neuroscience presents a more chaotic environment with fewer guidelines. The talk underscores the decline of narrative in psychiatry, contrasting with other medical fields that embrace personal narratives. Hellerstein advocates for reintegrating storytelling in psychiatric practice and education. He emphasizes the significance of understanding patients’ stories and adapting treatment plans accordingly. By recounting various tales, from patients cured by unexpected treatments to those impacted by psychodynamic approaches, Hellerstein conveys the intricate tapestry of modern psychiatry. His new book melds personal history with the broader historical shifts within the field, encapsulating his exploration and integration of psychoanalysis, DSM, and neuroscience throughout his career.

Keywords

psychiatry evolution

psychoanalytic psychiatry

DSM-based psychiatry

neuroscience

psychedelics treatments

narrative in psychiatry

storytelling in medicine

patient stories

David Hellerstein