My younger daughter died at age 45 after suffering mental illness for 20 years. That unhappy experience motivated us to contribute to various causes and activities related to mental illness. We get a publication called "Brain and Behavior" and in the December 2022 issue that just came, is an article called "We are experiencing a revolution in brain stimulation" by Dr. Mark S. George.
I pay some attention to brain research, especially dealing with symptoms of serious and misleading hallucinations. I thought I would mention two sources of information about mental illness. There are of course many types of mental illness. I guess debilitating depression and deep anxiety are among the most common troubles. My daughter did not seem to have those. She was more likely to be somewhat suddenly convinced of "facts" that were not true, such as suddenly realizing that she needed to catch a plane to get to the US Senate to receive a medal for her work.
We read the book by Michael Pollan "How to Change Your Mind". We have read several of his and they are all very good but this one is a knockout. It discusses the history of modern, recent use of psychedelics such as magic mushrooms and LSD. I think you could say that "recreational" use of mind-changing substances has had a definite place in American history. Further, such substances have been used for thousands of years by people trying to communicate with gods and spirits. However, recent careful use in the presence of an experienced host-counselor have shown good and dramatic results.
Also the article by Dr. Mark S. George, Distinguished Professor of Psychiatry, Medical University of South Carolina, "We Are Witnessing a Revolution in Brain Stimulation" discusses several promising methods of stimulating the brain. Much of the article is about using a magnet against the outside of the head. There is also research and thought about electrical external stimulation of the vagus nerve, the body's central and longest nerve. Finally, Dr. George mentions the use of ultrasound for stimulating the brain.
Mental illness can be very frightening and upsetting for the sufferer and all who love and care about that person. So, of course, progress is wonderful!
