Many clinicians are increasingly of the view that an evolutionary lens is essential for a true and deep understanding of the conceptualization and ultimately treatment of mental illness. Dr. Randolph Nesse, MD, one of the founders of evolutionary psychiatry and author of the book Good Reasons for Bad Feelings sits down with host Dr. Pete Kelly, C.Psych to discuss a wide range of topics including the principles of evolutionary medicine and psychiatry; the impact of an evolutionary lens on the conceptualization of mental illness; considerations of dynamics related to the genetics of mental illness; helpful as well as unhelpful aspects of unpleasant emotions, particularly with respect to depression; the impact of repeated exposure to stress on mental health; the impact of clinical content on mental health professionals; considerations around medication from the view of an evolutionary psychiatrist and finally, achieving a sense of meaning in modernity.
Randolph M. Nesse, MD, is a founder of the field of evolutionary medicine and co-author with George C. Williams of Why We Get Sick. He served for many years as Professor of Psychiatry, Professor of Psychology and Research Professor at the University of Michigan. He was the Founding Director of the Center for Evolution & Medicine at Arizona State University and Foundation Professor in the School of Life Sciences from 2014 to 2019, where he is now a Research Professor. He is a Fellow of the Association for Psychological Science, a distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, and an elected Fellow of the AAAS.
https://www.randolphnesse.com