Note from the editor: CrossCurrents Winter 2003/04

CrossCurrents

Mental illness has been around as long as civilization. History has witnessed various explanations for it, from an imbalance of bodily fluids to demonic possession. Long-ago treatments ranged from controlling patients by keeping them in chains to immersing them in ice-cold water. More recently, psychiatry was born with Freud and his followers. Lithium was discovered. Tranquilizers successfully treated people who previously would have been lobotomized. Antidepressants were introduced. Genetics became a science. And then came computers, microscopes, magnetic resonance imaging...

We've come a long way. But we still have a long way to go. Throughout much of the world, mental illness and addiction continue to be misunderstood and stigmatized. The World Health Organization warns that depression and anxiety disorders are growing globally.

But looking at the incredible advances in medicine, psychiatry and addiction treatment over the last few decades, there is reason for hope. For example, technology has revolutionized the study of the brain. Reflecting on our progress over the last decades, it is exciting to imagine how much we can expect, not only from current research, but from unpredictable breakthroughs in technology, genetics and biochemistry.

This issue of CrossCurrents looks into the future. It begins with two complementary pieces by two experts in the addiction and mental health fields, who make predictions for the future of psychiatric and addiction treatment. These are followed by a story about the promising future of using medication to treat problem gambling. Another exciting development, reported by Abigail Pugh, is the potential of virtual therapy to treat and even assess various psychiatric and addiction problems. And Cindy McGlynn discusses how a standard treatment for borderline personality disorder is showing promise to deal with the added challenge of substance abuse. In our Q&A section, Zach Hall, a neuroscientist at the University of Southern California, discusses ethical issues arising from advances in neuroscience and the implications for our current ideas about who we are and why we act as we do.

Finally, in the Last Word column, Michael Bay argues that the divestment of provincial psychiatric hospitals in Ontario could risk the delicate balance that underlies our mental health legislation. The spring issue will present a counterargument.

Enjoy this stimulating read. Send us your comments, suggestions and ideas, so that we can continue providing you with coverage of the issues that matter to you.

Hema Zbogar
tel: 416 595-6714
hema_zbogar@camh.net 

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