Psychiatry's Dual Narrative: Humanism and Biomedical Hegemony
This article examines the dual narrative present within modern psychiatry—one focused on humanism and pluralism versus one focused on biomedical hegemony—and explores how individuals can reconcile themselves with this dichotomy in order to ensure quality mental health care for all people regardless of their beliefs or circumstances.
Jan. 06, 2023 4:16AM
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A person sitting alone in a room with two doors labeled "Humanism" and "Biomedical Hegemony".
The modern world of psychiatry is in a state of flux, with two distinct narratives at play. On one hand, there is an ideological narrative that speaks to humanism and pluralism, emphasizing the importance of individual autonomy and choice. On the other hand, there is a material structure that emphasizes biomedical hegemony—the idea that medical knowledge should be used to control behavior. This dual narrative has left many questioning how they can reconcile themselves to psychiatry as it currently stands. The tension between these two narratives has been felt for decades now, but it has become increasingly difficult to ignore in recent years. The rise of Big Pharma and its influence on psychiatric treatment has made it harder for individuals to make autonomous decisions about their own mental health care. Additionally, the use of medications as a primary form of treatment often leaves out other forms of therapy or alternative treatments which may be more beneficial for certain individuals. At the same time, there are those who argue that psychiatry’s emphasis on biomedical hegemony can be beneficial in some cases. For example, medication-assisted therapies have been found to be effective in treating addiction and other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety disorders. Additionally, some believe that by focusing on biological factors rather than psychological ones when treating mental illness can lead to better outcomes overall. Ultimately, reconciling oneself with psychiatry requires an understanding of both its ideological narrative and its material structure—and an acceptance that neither will ever completely dominate over the other. While it may not always be easy to find common ground between these two perspectives, doing so is essential if we are going to ensure that everyone receives quality mental health care regardless of their beliefs or circumstances.