In Sunday’s New York Times, Dr. Eric Kandel Writes About the Biology of Mental Illness
In Sunday’s New York Times, Dr. Eric Kandel Writes About the Biology of Mental Illness
Foundation Scientific Council member, Eric R. Kandel, M.D., highlights the necessity―as well as the increasing sophistication of―a scientific approach in understanding the biological function and dysfunction of the human brain, our most complex organ. We are far from understanding brain disorders in the way we understand disorders of the liver or heart, he argues, but empirical evidence and knowledge are growing. He speaks of the development of a “new science of mind” where neuroscience, psychology and psychiatry come together so that we understand not only the biological functioning (and/or dysfunction) of the brain, but also how that sets in motion our thoughts, emotions and actions.
Throughout the article, Dr. Kandel refers to specifc research from NARSAD Grantees Helen S. Mayberg, M.D. and Aaron T. Beck, M.D., as well as Matthew State, M.D., Ph.D., the recipient of the 2012 Ruane Prize for Outstanding Achievement in Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Research.
