Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Ronson Chapters 10 and 11

The main point Ronson illustrates in chapter ten is how quickly psychology and the number of psychological disorders can get out of control, although it is all guess work.  The DSM started at 65 pages full of psychological disorders, and is already up to 494 pages that are all covered in psychological disorders that may or may not truly be destructive or harmful disorders.  A major focus that displays how ridiculous this list can be is childhood bipolar disorder.  It is said in this chapter that it isn't even possible to develop bipolar disorder until after the age of seven, but yet several children are being diagnosed with it before they are seven.  This also happens to be mostly prevalent in the United States, who can provide a drug to "fix" almost anything, especially psychological disorders.  The huge list of psychological disorders makes it easy for citizens to diagnose themselves, and this increases the industry for pharmaceuticals since so many people believe they have a disorder.

Finally some closure!!!  I am happy for Tony when he receives his freedom after several years, but still makes me nervous.  How do they know for sure if someone is ready to be let out in the real world, because there is no full proof way.  I did not know that young children could be diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and I thought that was crazy.  Children are developing so much and starting to figure out the person they will be.  Since this time is so sensitive and essential to their psychological development, parents should take extra caution of the things their child is exposed to.  I really enjoyed this book, mostly because Ronson's quirky way of writing anxiously.  It was very entertaining, and really makes me think about the "beetle in the box" idea when I look at people, which sometimes creeps me out!

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