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Description
The programme looks at several physical, treatments for psychological illnesses (psychosurgery, E.C.T.. etc.) and the assumption about the connection between brain and behaviour underlying them.
The programme looks at several physical, treatments for psychological illnesses (psychosurgery, E.C.T.. etc.) and the assumption about the connection between brain and behaviour underlying them.
| Module code and title: | SD286, "Biology, brain and behaviour" |
|---|---|
| Item code: | SD286; 16 |
| First transmission date: | 1981 |
| Published: | 1981 |
| Rights Statement: | |
| Restrictions on use: | |
| Duration: | 00:23:53 |
| Note: | In presentation 1981-90. |
| + Show more... | |
| Producer: | Neil Cameron |
| Contributor: | F. M.(Frederick M.) Toates |
| Publisher: | BBC Open University |
| Keyword(s): | Behaviour; Eletro convulsive therapy; Psychosurgery |
| Footage description: | Film shots of "football - violence" on the terraces during an England v. Switzerland match in May 1981. Frederick Toates introduces the programme Still shots of youths fighting in the street. Toates poses the question, "Is the brain responsible for behaviour and if so should it be the first place for doctors to intervene?" Film shots of psychosurgery taking place. Commentary by Toates ewplains the rationale behind this form of surgery. Shots of primates which have had psychosurgery performed on them during experiments. Eric Turner, one of the pioneers of psychosurgery briefly recalls the early days of the technique. More film shots of an operation in progress. Animated diagrams of the human brain. Toates lists some of the criticisms against performing psychosurgery. A psychiatrist joins in the discussion. The placebo effect is discussed and some of the studies into the effect are discussed. Toates points out that there is great controversy on whether or not treatment by psychosurgery actually works. The programme goes on to look at electro convulsive therapy (ECT) treatment. A less drastict alternative to psychosurgery. Toates explains the original rationale for E.C.T. Film of early E.C.T. treatment. Dr Colin Brewer discusses what he calls the irrational opposition to this type of treatment. Film shots of a patient undergoing modern E.C.T. Several objections to E.C.T. are discussed by Toates and Brewer. The placebo effect is pointed out. Toates and Chris Freeman discuss studies into the effectiveness of E.C.T. which have been conducted recently. The programme next looks at the importance of social factors in psychological disorders. Toates quotes from a recent study on the social origins of depression. Dr. Paul Freeling, who trains G.P.s, gives his views on the various medical treatments for psychological disorders and how these should fit in with treatment of the social aspects of such disorders. He explains under what circumstances he would use drugs and E.C.T.. Freeling goes on to list what he feels are the causal factors of depression. Toates summarises the programme by bringing out, briefly, some wider political and social issues of treating mental disorders. |
| Master spool number: | HOU3818 |
| Production number: | FOUS197F |
| Videofinder number: | 1962 |
| Available to public: | no |
