Inhoudsopgave:
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Between Sickness and Health is about illness rather than disease, and recovery rather than cure. The book argues that illness is an experience, represented by the feeling that âI am not myselfâ. From the bookâs phenomenological point of view, feelings of illness cannot be âunrealâ or âfakeâ, whatever their biological basis, nor need they be categorised as âphysicalâ, âpsychosomaticâ or âpsychiatricâ. The book challenges the disease-centred ethos of medicine and medical education. It demonstrates that a clearer conception of illness, as distinct from disease, is therapeutic. The feeling that âI am once again myselfâ can return, in some degree, whatever state the body is in. Resilience becomes more available when it is seen as a set of personal skills that can be developed, rather than as an inborn trait. Possibilities of wellness are enhanced by recognising that medical and other therapies can either support or impede recovery, as can human relationships and the socio-political environment. The bookâs many clinical examples are drawn from the authorâs broad experience as a neurologist, rehabilitation physician and systemic family therapist. Between Sickness and Health will be useful for students, practitioners and academics, and also for anyone who has been or might one day be ill. |
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