The fact is, it is not possible to identify any characteristic features of either the symptomatology or the aetiology of so-called mental illnesses that consistently distinguish them from physical illnesses. Nor do so-called physical illnesses have any characteristics that distinguish them reliably from mental illnesses. If pathological changes and dysfunctions are restricted to organs other than the brain, as is often the case, effects on mentation and behaviour are relatively restricted, but this is an inconstant and purely quantitative difference, and in any case does not apply to diseases of the brain or situations in which there is a secondary disturbance of cerebral function.”

Not only is the distinction between mental and physical illness ill-founded and incompatible with contemporary understanding of disease, it is also damaging to the long-term interests of patients themselves. It invites both them and their doctors to ignore what may be important causal factors and potentially effective therapies; and by implying that illnesses so described are fundamentally different from all other types of ill-health, it helps to perpetuate the stigma associated with ‘mental’ illness.
R. E. Kendell - “The Distinction between mental and physical illness” (via girlwiththegreyhound)
5:39 pm  •  28 April 2013  •  11 notes

impofperverse:

David Bowie / Young American

2:58 pm  •  8 March 2013  •  23 notes

smithsonianlibraries:

Our good friends at the Biodiversity Heritage Library have assembled a great collection of works published, written, illustrated, or including the research of women, just for Women’s History Month.

2:47 pm  •  8 March 2013  •  92 notes