Why do some people with mental illnesses entertain bizarre and seemingly irrational beliefs that make their lives a misery?
Why do some people with mental illnesses entertain bizarre and seemingly irrational beliefs that make their lives a misery?
Perhaps the delusional beliefs of mental illness can be more easily understood and can be recognised as not so far from rationality as they might first appear.
Professor Paul Fletcher
Speaking at tonight's Café Scientifique, Professor Paul Fletcher of the Department of Psychiatry at University of Cambridge will explain how scientists study behaviour, image brain oxygen levels, and manipulate humans with pharmacological agents in order to uncover how such delusional beliefs might arise.
According to Professor Fletcher: "Given scientific observations on the normal processes of the brain and belief formation, perhaps the delusional beliefs of mental illness can be more easily understood and can be recognised as not so far from rationality as they might first appear."
The event, part of the Café Scientifique series, is a friendly informal gathering for everyone interested in chatting about the science that is changing our lives. Each month a different scientist discusses their work and takes question from the floor.
Tonight's free event is at 7.30 - 8.30 pm at the Larkum Studio, ADC Theatre, Park Street, Cambridge. Refreshments are available. Please arrive early to guarantee a seat.
The series is sponsored by the Medical Research Council and organised as part of the national Café Scientifique forum in association with The Triple Helix Cambridge, a student society that explores interdisciplinary issues surrounding science.
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