8.+Phantoms

THE MAN WHO MISTOOK HIS WIFE FOR A HAT “The physician is concerned [unlike the naturalist]. . . with a single organism, the human subject, striving to preserve its identity in adverse circumstances.”  ~ Ivy McKenzie

Mental illnesses and brain dysfunctions lie at the intersection of psychology – the study of personality and cognition – and physiology – the study of organic function. While most medicine aims to restore the patient to their original “normal” condition, treating brain disorders necessarily changes the identity of the individual.

After reading the three short case studies from Dr. Oliver Sacks’ //The Man Who Mistook His Wife For A Hat: “Phantoms,” “Eyes Right!”// and //“Cupid’s Disease.”// discuss the problems of treating brain dysfunctions described in the book in a well-written and organized essay.

Essay:

If you were cursed with one of these disorders, which one would you most like to have? Least like to have? As a health care professional, how would you assist a patient who suffered from one of these brain disorders? What is the difference between brain dysfunction, such as the cases that Dr. Sacks describes and a personality or disorder such as depression, schizophrenia, or bipolar disease?

  