Explore the complex and often problematic nature of medical diagnosis in this thought-provoking talk by former consultant neurologist Jules Montague. Delve into real-life patient stories that highlight how diagnoses can be influenced by cultural biases, pharmaceutical interests, and even law enforcement agendas. Examine historical misconceptions in medicine, including Victorian-era diagnoses and the pathologization of homosexuality. Investigate the racial disparities in mental health diagnoses, particularly in cases of cannabis psychosis. Uncover the controversial use of "excited delirium" as a diagnosis and its recent rebranding. Through these compelling examples, gain insight into the potential for misdiagnosis and its far-reaching consequences on individuals and society.
Overview
Syllabus
Introduction - life as an Irish doctor
The culturally sensitive nature of diagnosis
The story of Jeremy from Ulverston
The legacy of homosexuality as a diagnosis
Wacky Victorian diagnoses
How the poster child for schizophrenia has changed
The story of Hector from Handsworth
The racialized diagnosis of cannabis psychosis
How the excited delirium diagnosis covered up murders
The rebrand of excited delirium as Acute Behavioural Disorder
The death of Mikey Powell
Taught by
The Royal Institution
