Diseases of Affluence, Their Causes and Cures: Philosophical Remedies for the Collapse of American Culture
July 8, 2013
Hosted by Dr. David Brendel
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Episode Description
In Germany they’re called “diseases of civilization”; in Japan, “lifestyle maladies”; in Sweden, “diseases of affluence.” The USA leads the world in producing them, but doesn’t even have a name for them. They have now reached epidemic proportions: obesity, depression, ADHD, bullying, chronic fatigue syndromes, sleep disorders, and sexual dysfunctions are sweeping the developed world. These so-called “epidemics” are culturally-induced illnesses, caused primarily by bad habits, poor choices, bankrupt values, and harmful lifestyles. That is, they stem from dysfunctional philosophies of life, and are only worsened by our culture of reflexive diagnosis and mass drugging. But Americans are beginning to wake up. The NY Times recently blamed drug ads as the main cause of ADHD, while the NIMH has rejected the DSM V for diagnosing clusters of symptoms, as opposed to real disease. If Americans want to reverse these epidemics, they can start by embracing philosophical remedies. Stay tuned for more.
Leading Minds
Archives Available on VoiceAmerica Empowerment Channel
Leading Minds with Dr. David Brendel explores how innovative approaches in psychology, neuroscience, philosophy, and coaching are empowering individuals in the 21st century to realize their full human potential. The show will feature experts in these areas discussing how people can develop individualized goals and solutions to their greatest challenges, rather than relying on standardized psychiatric treatments and potentially toxic medication. Drawing on new research findings in areas like positive psychology, Leading Minds will educate you about the benefits of “solutions-based” approaches rather than “problems-based” approaches. Expert discussions with renowned psychologists, neuroscientists, philosophers, and coaches will converge on a central theme. This unifying vision is that self-reflection, positive thinking, and personal responsibility will empower you to achieve practical wisdom, develop clear action plans, and achieve lasting success in all areas of their lives.
Dr. David Brendel
Dr. David Brendel is a leading executive coach and psychiatrist based in Boston. His company, Leading Minds Executive and Personal Coaching, provides a wide array of coaching and consulting services to individuals, organizations, and corporations. He is a Master Certified Coach Trainer in the Center for Executive Coaching, where he trains mental health professionals to become coaches. He also chairs a CEO peer group with Vistage International, the world’s leading chief executive organization.
He received his B.A. summa cum laude from Yale, his M.D. from Harvard Medical School, and a Ph.D. in philosophy from University of Chicago. He served as a Faculty Fellow in the Harvard Center for Ethics and the Professions. He is the author of Healing Psychiatry: Bridging the Science/Humanism Divide, published by MIT Press. In his private practice, he provides consultation and treatment for adults with depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, personality disorders, eating disorders, substance abuse, and psychosis.
Dr. Brendel is an experienced media consultant on psychiatric treatments, medical ethics, and use of Internet technologies in clinical practice. In addition to serving as a consultant for PBS and ABC News, he has given dozens of interviews to major media outlets and has been a guest on top radio programs. He currently is Chief Medical Officer for LinkedWellness, a start-up company providing digital health solutions for conditions such as anxiety and depression.
