Towards a functional model of mental disorders incorporating the laws of thermodynamics

Murray, George and McKenzie, Karen (2013) Towards a functional model of mental disorders incorporating the laws of thermodynamics. Medical Hypotheses, 80 (5). pp. 544-547. ISSN 0306 9877

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.mehy.2013.01.013

Abstract

The current paper presents the hypothesis that the understanding of mental disorders can be advanced by incorporating the laws of thermodynamics, specifically relating to energy conservation and energy transfer. These ideas, along with the introduction of the notion that entropic activities are symptomatic of inefficient energy transfer or disorder, were used to propose a model of understanding mental ill health as resulting from the interaction of entropy, capacity and work (environmental demands). The model was applied to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and was shown to be compatible with current thinking about this condition, as well as emerging models of mental disorders as complex networks. A key implication of the proposed model is that it argues that all mental disorders require a systemic functional approach, with the advantage that it offers a number of routes into the assessment, formulation and treatment for mental health problems.

Item Type: Article
Subjects: C800 Psychology
Department: Faculties > Health and Life Sciences > Psychology
Depositing User: Karen McKenzie
Date Deposited: 12 Nov 2014 16:17
Last Modified: 17 Dec 2023 15:33
URI: https://nrl.northumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/18062

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