Metaphor, Meaning and Psychiatry

Stephen Rosenman*

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    11 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Objective: The aim of this paper is to examine the scientific and cognitive role of metaphor and the use of metaphor in the conceptualization of depression as an example of mental illness. 

    Conclusions: Metaphors from the creative arts have been used to support existing psychiatric diagnostic concepts. The existing concepts are themselves built on embedded metaphors now treated as literal facts. The choice of metaphor dictates not only the description of the condition but also its treatment and research. The use of unacknowledged and unchanging metaphors in current diagnostic practice affects progress in knowledge and practice. Some alternative borrowings of basic metaphors are provided.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)391-396
    Number of pages6
    JournalAustralasian Psychiatry
    Volume16
    Issue number6
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2008

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