Why do some people with mental illnesses entertain bizarre and seemingly irrational beliefs that make their lives a misery?
Why do some people with mental illnesses entertain bizarre and seemingly irrational beliefs that make their lives a misery?
Perhaps the delusional beliefs of mental illness can be more easily understood and can be recognised as not so far from rationality as they might first appear.
Professor Paul Fletcher
Speaking at tonight's Caf茅 Scientifique, Professor Paul Fletcher of the Department of Psychiatry at 探花直播 of Cambridge will explain how scientists study behaviour, image brain oxygen levels, and manipulate humans with pharmacological agents in order to uncover how such delusional beliefs might arise.
According to Professor Fletcher: "Given scientific observations on the normal processes of the brain and belief formation, perhaps the delusional beliefs of mental illness can be more easily understood and can be recognised as not so far from rationality as they might first appear."
探花直播event, part of the Caf茅 Scientifique series, is a friendly informal gathering for everyone interested in chatting about the science that is changing our lives. Each month a different scientist discusses their work and takes question from the floor.
Tonight's free event is at 7.30 - 8.30 pm at the Larkum Studio, ADC Theatre, Park Street, Cambridge. Refreshments are available. Please arrive early to guarantee a seat.
探花直播series is sponsored by the Medical Research Council and organised as part of the national Caf茅 Scientifique forum in association with 探花直播Triple Helix Cambridge, a student society that explores interdisciplinary issues surrounding science.
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