Tricia Webb has a lot to say on a myriad of topics, and research is one of those. Let’s hear her out, shall we? ~ editor, Kelly Babcock
Today, a new study shows that margarine is in fact better for you than butter. But, never fear, tomorrow a study will present completely opposite findings!
I’m sure we can all relate to this ridiculous, yet often accurate statement. So, what are scientific studies, and are they just a bunch of fru fru used to determine insurance policies?
As someone who has been intimately involved with the scientific and research communities (yes, nerd alert!), I would like to share why scientific studies are important. I circle back to questions like, how can we use information to better inform our society and how can we decrease stigma around mental illness?
Let’s consider
The largest contributing factor to stigma is fear. Fear of those that exhibit unfamiliar or odd traits. Fear of the unknown. And there is much unknown about ADHD! Since my diagnosis I have learned that there are some incredible people out there, breaking down stigma every day. But, imagine the greater influence we could have by moving above individual and community levels, rising to the level of large-scale research?
Advocating for our child’s IEP or involvement in local support groups yields small and critical changes, but formal scientific research provides information for the masses, and not just the masses, but their leaders who are key in making decisions for our countries, states, and local communities.
An example of research …
Are you someone who questions, what are those big shot scientists doing with our tax dollars and why should I pay attention? Cue in something called “computational psychiatry”. It’s a fairly new field of study that aims to investigate neuroscience, one of the world’s most mysterious and unknown areas of health. Its goal is to bridge a gap between the molecules and chemistry in the brain with what is actually experienced by the individual.
Consider this analogy. You take your car in to the mechanic regarding its brakes. It would seem absurd if the mechanic said, “I can fix the car brakes which will stop the car, but I don’t know how they stop the car.” Big knowledge gap, as you can see. Computational psychiatry aims to address this gap. By seamlessly blending statistics, anthropology, psychology, and even history, it models and highlights patterns of human behavior.
From brakes to epiphanies
Something beautiful arose for me that transcended the small, scientific details. These incredibly mathematical and complicated scientific discoveries have huge social implications! First, they allow your doctor, therapist, or coach to have the best information on management and treatment. They allow each of us to understand our brains more intimately. Finally, they lift the mysterious veil hovering over mental illness.
Unknown becomes known, fear ebbs away, and hopefully stigma makes its exit not too far behind. So, next time the temptation arises to roll your eyes at the phrase, “a new study shows…”, tune in those ears, who knows what you’ll learn?
(Stay tuned, in my next post I’ll discuss how ADHD minds were never just an accident or a random variation of the human brain. Computational psychiatry has discovered how ADHD brains had a specific evolutionary purpose and were crucial to the survival of early humans.)
I’m an avid adventurer and explorer of both people and places. Finding joy in posing thought provoking questions that challenge the mind and heart, I live a life where I am bold, passionate and spirited. I enjoy listening to people’s unique life stories, and also being able to serve and advocate for neurodiverse individuals.
~ Tricia Webb