The anthropological method for diagnosing mental diseases: On the theory of time structure of Bin Kimura

Abstract

Bin Kimura (1931–2021), the Japanese anthropological psychopathologist and philosopher, attached importance to clinical impressions at psychiatric consultations in order to diagnose mental diseases precisely, and thus proposed his original theory of time structure. According to Kimura's theory of time structure, whether we live by giving weight to the past, the present, or the future can be called “time structure,” and is essentially related to the way we live with others and experience the world. We can obtain some signs for diagnosing mental diseases from the viewpoint of the time structure of each patient. “Ante‐festum” is the time structure in which one lives ahead to the future, and is typical of schizophrenic patients. “Post‐festum” is the time structure in which one is late for oneself, and is typical of patients with endogenous depression. “Intra‐festum” is the time structure in which one lives directly in the present, and is typical of patients with epilepsy or bipolar disorders. The anthropological diagnosis according to Kimura's theory of time structure could complement the operational diagnostic criteria, such as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and the International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, in daily clinical practice. For example, Kimura's theory of time structure could exercise its ability to discriminate between endogenous and neurotic depression, and between schizophrenia and other delusional psychoses. The theory of time structure and anthropological diagnosis which Bin Kimura proposed in the late 20th century can give us many hints for assessing patients with mental diseases even today.