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From Phenomenology to Strong Biologism and Epigenetics in Psychiatry

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The Medical Basis of Psychiatry

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Abstract

An inchoate yet sanguine picture is emerging for a more brain-related epiphenomenal foundation for the understanding and treatment of psychiatric disorders. We review germane advances and impediments in this regard. Encouraging findings in tracking certain anomalous genetic conditions from their origins to effects on neurological structures and functions (strong biologism) are discussed; findings from neuroimaging research are likewise noteworthy, but the search continues for delineation of pathological biomarkers from neuroimaging data. The nature of genetic mediation of adverse environmental effects on the brain and behavior are beginning to be understood in relation to the expanding area of epigenetics. We opine that an extant synthesis of neurobiological and epigenetic information warrants serious and increasing dialogue regarding biologically based diagnoses, treatments, and preventive strategies.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Child and Adolescent Behavior Health Services, Minnesota Department of Human Services, 1701 Technology Drive NE, Willmar, MN, 56201-2275, USA

    Steven Thurber Ph.D., ABPP

  2. Child and Adolescent Behavior Health Services, Willmar, MN, USA

    William Sheehan M.D. (Psychiatrist)

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  1. Steven Thurber Ph.D., ABPP
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Correspondence to Steven Thurber Ph.D., ABPP .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. University of Minnesota School of Medicine, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

    S. Hossein Fatemi

  2. University of New Mexico School of Medicine Pasadena, University of Minnesota School of Medicine, California, California, USA

    Paula J. Clayton

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Thurber, S., Sheehan, W. (2016). From Phenomenology to Strong Biologism and Epigenetics in Psychiatry. In: Fatemi, S., Clayton, P. (eds) The Medical Basis of Psychiatry. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-2528-5_26

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-2528-5_26

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