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Our New Discontents

Reflections on mental health and social ideals

ADHD
The Appeal, and the Peril, of Self-Diagnosis

Joseph E. Davis Ph.D. on September 7, 2022

Influenced by social media, young people self-apply psychiatric labels to their experiences. This appropriation should not be confused with “diagnosis.”

Influenced by social media, young people self-apply psychiatric labels to their experiences. This appropriation should not be confused with “diagnosis.”

ADHD
The App for Adderall

Joseph E. Davis Ph.D. on July 22, 2022

A telehealth scandal shines a light on the skyrocketing demand for Adderall among adults and the growing promotion of ADHD on social media.

A telehealth scandal shines a light on the skyrocketing demand for Adderall among adults and the growing promotion of ADHD on social media.

ADHD
Why Parents May Feel Obligated to Medicate Children for ADHD

Joseph E. Davis Ph.D. on April 1, 2022

When the promise of medication is an empowered self, parents, despite their reservations, are likely to see medicating their child as the responsible course of action

When the promise of medication is an empowered self, parents, despite their reservations, are likely to see medicating their child as the responsible course of action

Health
Understanding Youth Suffering

Joseph E. Davis Ph.D. on December 20, 2021

Abstract ways of “knowing” problems are attractive to institutions but deny sufferers their unique experiences and stories. Understanding begins with listening.

Abstract ways of “knowing” problems are attractive to institutions but deny sufferers their unique experiences and stories. Understanding begins with listening.

Loneliness
The Epidemic of Loneliness

Joseph E. Davis Ph.D. on November 9, 2021

Discussions of loneliness among the aged stress negative health consequences, missing the devaluation of seniors and their loss of social significance.

Discussions of loneliness among the aged stress negative health consequences, missing the devaluation of seniors and their loss of social significance.

Depression
Depression and Popular Fiction

Joseph E. Davis Ph.D. on September 2, 2021

Biological conceptions of depression have been heavily promoted in medicine and in drug advertising. Are novels, like The Woman in Cabin 10, also a source of such beliefs?

Biological conceptions of depression have been heavily promoted in medicine and in drug advertising. Are novels, like The Woman in Cabin 10, also a source of such beliefs?

Authenticity
Is Authenticity Still an Ideal?

Joseph E. Davis Ph.D. on April 27, 2021

While an older meaning of authenticity is fading away, a new one is popping up. The college admissions process is a window into the new authenticity.

While an older meaning of authenticity is fading away, a new one is popping up. The college admissions process is a window into the new authenticity.

Psychopharmacology
Before Our Prozac Era

Joseph E. Davis Ph.D. on March 5, 2021

In an earlier period of popular medication use, mental distress and drug treatment were not divorced from their social context. We need that union again.

In an earlier period of popular medication use, mental distress and drug treatment were not divorced from their social context. We need that union again.

ADHD
“Adderall Is for Winners”

Joseph E. Davis Ph.D. on December 23, 2020

The non-medical use of prescription drugs like Adderall for studying is common. Why might college students think this is a good, even ethical practice?

The non-medical use of prescription drugs like Adderall for studying is common. Why might college students think this is a good, even ethical practice?

Aging
The Evening of Life

Joseph E. Davis Ph.D. on November 10, 2020

In our society, there may be no more important question than how our later years can be lived well.

In our society, there may be no more important question than how our later years can be lived well.

DSM
Take Caution With a DSM Diagnosis

Joseph E. Davis Ph.D. on October 18, 2020

Disorder language, with its implicit biology, can mislead people about the nature of their suffering. Keeping free of it will facilitate richer reflection.

Disorder language, with its implicit biology, can mislead people about the nature of their suffering. Keeping free of it will facilitate richer reflection.

Depression
The Imperative to Stand Out and Its Hidden Injuries

Joseph E. Davis Ph.D. on September 25, 2020

Pervasive peer comparisons by adolescents attending high-achieving schools are fanning the flames of anxiety and depression symptoms, recent research finds.

Pervasive peer comparisons by adolescents attending high-achieving schools are fanning the flames of anxiety and depression symptoms, recent research finds.

Anxiety
Youth and Anxiety

Joseph E. Davis Ph.D. on August 23, 2020

Choosing an identity, a task faced at younger and younger ages, would be challenging enough, but young people must also confront distinct expectations of how it is good to be.

Choosing an identity, a task faced at younger and younger ages, would be challenging enough, but young people must also confront distinct expectations of how it is good to be.

Depression
Why Depression Is Not “Just Like” Diabetes

Joseph E. Davis Ph.D. on July 22, 2020

The idea that mental disorders are an illness or disease “just like” diabetes is a commonplace. But the analogy is deeply misleading in both theory and practice. It should be abandoned.

The idea that mental disorders are an illness or disease “just like” diabetes is a commonplace. But the analogy is deeply misleading in both theory and practice. It should be abandoned.

Health
Our Ambivalent Relationship to the Aged

Joseph E. Davis Ph.D. on June 22, 2020

This viral storm is exposing deep contradictions in our way of life. None is greater than our ambivalent relationship to the frail elderly.

This viral storm is exposing deep contradictions in our way of life. None is greater than our ambivalent relationship to the frail elderly.

Psychology
After Psychology

Joseph E. Davis Ph.D. on June 10, 2020

Americans have come to trust almost reflexively in the power of biology, biochemistry, and genetics to fix what ails us. There is reason to be concerned.

Americans have come to trust almost reflexively in the power of biology, biochemistry, and genetics to fix what ails us. There is reason to be concerned.

Psychopharmacology
The Risk of Medicating in a Pandemic

Joseph E. Davis Ph.D. on May 19, 2020

Since the coronavirus outbreak, prescriptions for antianxiety and antidepressant medications have risen sharply. While understandable, there are good reasons to be concerned.

Since the coronavirus outbreak, prescriptions for antianxiety and antidepressant medications have risen sharply. While understandable, there are good reasons to be concerned.