More simply human: on the Universality of Madness

Abstract

A dimensional conceptualization of psychosis that evolved from clinical experience has been replaced in recent decades by a categorical model useful for certain kinds of research. Although both dimensional and categorical paradigms have been valuable ways of viewing “madness,” the loss of a dimensional sensibility is arguably retarding our progress in developing therapies for psychotic suffering.

Keywords:

• diagnosis
• treatment planning
• schizophrenia
• delusions
• hallucinations

Acknowledgements

The author thanks Michael Garrett, Kerry Gordon, Judith Logue, Henry Seiden, Mark Siegert, and Janna Smith for their contributions.