111. The Medicalization of the Human Condition w/ Brett Deacon, PhD
The biomedical model views mental disorders as brain diseases and emphasizes pharmacological treatments to address presumed biological abnormalities. This biologically focused approach has dominated the American healthcare system for decades, leading to an increase in psychiatric medication use and a perception of mental disorders as brain diseases caused by chemical imbalances.
Brett Deacon serves as an Associate Professor and Program Convener for Clinical Psychology at the University of Melbourne, Australia. His academic journey includes obtaining a PhD in clinical psychology from Northern Illinois University, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at the Mayo Clinic. Over the past 15 years, he has contributed to academia and dedicated five years to full-time private practice.
With expertise in two key areas, Brett is recognized for his proficiency in exposure therapy for anxiety. Notably, he co-authored the book "Exposure Therapy for Anxiety: Principles and Practice" (2nd edition), published by Guilford Press in 2019. His second area of focus revolves around critiquing psychiatry's biomedical model of "mental illness." His research encompasses the efficacy of antidepressants, publication bias in antidepressant trials, the impact of perceiving depressive experiences through a biomedical lens, and the validity and societal implications of the biomedical model.
Note: This podcast episode is designed solely for informational and educational purposes, without endorsing or promoting any specific medical treatments. We strongly advise consulting with a qualified healthcare professional before making any medical decisions or taking any actions.
*If you are in crisis or believe you have an emergency, please contact your doctor or dial 911. If you are contemplating suicide, call 1-800-273-TALK to speak with a trained and skilled counselor.
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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
26:00 - Initial Severity and Antidepressant Benefits: A Meta-Analysis of Data Submitted to the Food and Drug Administration
36:00 - The serotonin theory of depression: a systematic umbrella review of the evidence | Molecular Psychiatry
37:30 - Changes in antidepressant use in Australia: A nationwide analysis (2015–2021) - Juliana de Oliveira Costa, Malcolm B. Gillies, Andrea L. Schaffer, David Peiris, Helga Zoega, Sallie-Anne Pearson, 2023
1:18:00 - NationalHealthCareSpending In 2017: GrowthSlowsTo Post–GreatRecessionRates; ShareOfGDPStabilizes
1:28:00 - Cognitive-Behavior Therapy, Sertraline, and Their Combination for Children and Adolescents With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: The Pediatric OCD Treatment Study (POTS) Randomized Controlled Trial
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Creators and Guests
Host
Dr. Roger McFillin
Dr. Roger McFillin is a Clinical Psychologist, Board Certified in Behavioral and Cognitive Psychology. He is the founder of the Conscious Clinician Collective and Executive Director at the Center for Integrated Behavioral Health.
Host
Kel Wetherhold
Teacher | PAGE Educator of the Year | CIBH Education Consultant | PBSDigitalInnovator | KTI2016 | Apple Distinguished Educator 2017 | Radically Genuine Podcast
Guest
Brett Deacon, PhD
Brett Deacon serves as an Associate Professor and Program Convener for Clinical Psychology at the University of Melbourne, Australia. Brett is recognized for his proficiency in exposure therapy for anxiety. Notably, he co-authored the book "Exposure Therapy for Anxiety: Principles and Practice" (2nd edition), published by Guilford Press in 2019. His second area of focus revolves around critiquing psychiatry's biomedical model of "mental illness."
