[What is 'evidence' in psychiatry?]
1Departament of Psychiatry, University of Toronto. mona.gupta@utoronto.ca
Vertex (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
|January 11, 2011
Summary
Evidence-based medicine (EBM) offers a framework for clinical decisions, but its narrow view of evidence may not fully serve psychiatry. This paper proposes a broader definition of psychiatric evidence for better practice.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Medical Research
- Epistemology
Context:
- Evidence-based medicine (EBM) principles, originating in the 1990s, emphasize current, rigorous research for clinical decision-making.
- EBM has been applied to evidence-based psychiatry, but faces critiques regarding its concept of evidence and the influence of social factors.
Purpose:
- To critically examine the limitations of the EBM framework within psychiatric practice.
- To argue for the inclusion of data types currently excluded by EBM that are crucial for psychiatry.
- To initiate the development of a broader, more defensible model of psychiatric evidence.
Summary:
- The paper identifies epistemological issues and social influences distorting EBM-preferred data in psychiatry.
- It highlights that EBM's definition of evidence may be too narrow for the complexities of psychiatric practice.
- The study advocates for empirically validating and integrating diverse data sources beyond EBM's scope.
Impact:
- Promotes a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of evidence in psychiatric research and practice.
- Addresses the urgent need for a broader evidence base to define "good" psychiatric practice.
- Encourages further empirical investigation into the validity of currently excluded data types in psychiatry.
Related Concept Videos
01:13Psychology as a Science
Psychology, as a scientific discipline, aims to understand the mind and behavior through rigorous and systematic methods. The foundation of psychological research is evidence-based, relying heavily on the scientific method to derive and validate knowledge. This structured approach ensures that findings are reliable, valid, and applicable to broader contexts.
The scientific method in psychology involves six critical steps: making observations, formulating hypotheses, conducting tests, analyzing...
The scientific method in psychology involves six critical steps: making observations, formulating hypotheses, conducting tests, analyzing...
01:22Eyewitness Memory
Eyewitness memory refers to the recollection of events by someone who has directly witnessed them, often serving as critical evidence in legal settings. This type of memory is commonly used in criminal cases where a witness describes details like a suspect's appearance, clothing, or behavior during a crime. However, despite its perceived reliability, eyewitness memory is prone to significant errors.
One such error is memory distortion, which occurs because human memory does not function like a...
One such error is memory distortion, which occurs because human memory does not function like a...
01:26Positive Symptoms Schizophrenia: Hallucinations and Delusions
Schizophrenia is a complex psychiatric disorder characterized by a range of symptoms that significantly impact cognition, behavior, and emotional regulation. Among these, the positive symptoms stand out as they involve the addition or exaggeration of normal mental functions, deviating markedly from typical behavior and perception. Hallucinations and delusions are prominent positive symptoms, each profoundly affecting the individual's experience of reality.
Hallucinations
Hallucinations in...
Hallucinations
Hallucinations in...
02:55The Evidence for Evolution
Genetic variations accumulating within populations over generations give rise to biological evolution. Evolutionary changes can result in the formation of novel varieties and entire new species. These changes are responsible for the diverse forms of life inhabiting the planet. The evidence for evolution suggests that all living organisms descended from common ancestors.The collection of fossils within sedimentary rocks give a record of common ancestry and often depicts the history of evolution.
01:30Psychosurgery
Psychosurgery, the surgical alteration or permanent removal of brain tissue to alleviate severe psychological conditions, stands as one of the most radical and controversial treatments in the history of mental health care. Its development and application have evolved significantly, marked by dramatic shifts in scientific understanding and ethical perspectives.
Historical Development of Psychosurgery
In the 1930s, Portuguese neurologist Antonio Egas Moniz introduced a surgical procedure designed...
Historical Development of Psychosurgery
In the 1930s, Portuguese neurologist Antonio Egas Moniz introduced a surgical procedure designed...
01:26Introduction to Epidemiology
Epidemiology, known as the cornerstone of public health, involves studying the distribution and determinants of health-related events in defined populations and applying these insights to control health issues. This is essential for understanding how diseases spread, identifying populations at greater risk, and implementing measures to control or prevent outbreaks. Epidemiology addresses not only infectious diseases but also non-communicable conditions like cancer and cardiovascular disease,...