Towards a functional model of mental disorders incorporating the laws of thermodynamics

Murray, George; McKenzie, Karen

doi:10.1016/j.mehy.2013.01.013

Medical Hypotheses

2013

DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2013.01.013

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Towards a functional model of mental disorders incorporating the laws of thermodynamics

George Murray¹,

Karen McKenzie

Abstract: The current paper presents the hypothesis that the understanding of mental disorders can be advanced by incorporating the laws of thermodynamics, specifically relating to energy conservation and energy transfer. These ideas, along with the introduction of the notion that entropic activities are symptomatic of inefficient

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2013

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Psychotherapy as entropy management

McKenzie

Murray²

2013

Medical Hypotheses

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SummaryWe present the hypothesis that the laws of thermodynamics can be usefully applied to psychotherapy. In this model psychotherapy is presented as a means of entropy management, whereby the patient trades entropy (in this case the expressed symptoms of mental disorder) with the therapist. The therapist serves to increase the capacity of the patient, both through developing a shared understanding of the challenges the patient faces and through generating shared solutions. This process can be understood in terms of entropy trade where energy is successfully redirected into adaptive behaviour. The hypothesis and proposed model of psychotherapy are evaluated in the context of current thinking about the components of successful psychotherapeutic outcomes; including evidence based practice, therapist competence and adherence and the therapeutic alliance.3

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Psychotherapy as entropy management

McKenzie

Murray²

2013

Medical Hypotheses

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

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Towards a functional model of mental disorders incorporating the laws of thermodynamics

Cited by 1 publication

References 24 publications

Psychotherapy as entropy management

Psychotherapy as entropy management

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