The Gene Illusion
Encyclopedia
The Gene Illusion is a book by clinical psychologist
Jay Joseph, published in 2003, which challenges the evidence underlying genetic
theories in psychiatry
and psychology
. Focusing primarily on twin and adoption studies, he attempts to debunk the methodologies
used to establish genetic contributions to schizophrenia
, criminal behaviour
, and IQ. In the nature vs. nurture debate on the causes of mental disorders, Joseph's criticisms of genetic research in psychiatry
have found their place among those who argue that the environment is overwhelmingly the cause of these disorders, particularly with psychiatry critic Jonathan Leo, and with Oliver James
. The conclusions of The Gene Illusion have been criticized by mainstream researchers in genetics, psychiatry, and psychology.
Joseph expressed similar criticism of the genetics research in autism
, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD), schizophrenia
, and bipolar disorder
in his second book, The Missing Gene: Psychiatry, Heredity, and the Fruitless Search for Genes (2006). He and J. Leo (who cites Joseph's publications) have also criticized some of the papers published in mainstream medical journals on the topic of psychiatric genetics by sending letters to the editor, which were rebuked by these mainstream researchers.
Clinical psychology
Clinical psychology is an integration of science, theory and clinical knowledge for the purpose of understanding, preventing, and relieving psychologically-based distress or dysfunction and to promote subjective well-being and personal development...
Jay Joseph, published in 2003, which challenges the evidence underlying genetic
Genetics
Genetics , a discipline of biology, is the science of genes, heredity, and variation in living organisms....
theories in psychiatry
Psychiatry
Psychiatry is the medical specialty devoted to the study and treatment of mental disorders. These mental disorders include various affective, behavioural, cognitive and perceptual abnormalities...
and psychology
Psychology
Psychology is the study of the mind and behavior. Its immediate goal is to understand individuals and groups by both establishing general principles and researching specific cases. For many, the ultimate goal of psychology is to benefit society...
. Focusing primarily on twin and adoption studies, he attempts to debunk the methodologies
Methodology
Methodology is generally a guideline for solving a problem, with specificcomponents such as phases, tasks, methods, techniques and tools . It can be defined also as follows:...
used to establish genetic contributions to schizophrenia
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a mental disorder characterized by a disintegration of thought processes and of emotional responsiveness. It most commonly manifests itself as auditory hallucinations, paranoid or bizarre delusions, or disorganized speech and thinking, and it is accompanied by significant social...
, criminal behaviour
Criminology
Criminology is the scientific study of the nature, extent, causes, and control of criminal behavior in both the individual and in society...
, and IQ. In the nature vs. nurture debate on the causes of mental disorders, Joseph's criticisms of genetic research in psychiatry
Psychiatric genetics
Psychiatric genetics, a subfield of behavioral neurogenetics, studies the role of genetics in psychological conditions such as alcoholism, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and autism. The basic principle behind psychiatric genetics is that genetic polymorphisms, as indicated by linkage to e.g...
have found their place among those who argue that the environment is overwhelmingly the cause of these disorders, particularly with psychiatry critic Jonathan Leo, and with Oliver James
Oliver James
Oliver James is a clinical psychologist, journalist, bestselling book author, and television documentary producer. and presenter He also frequently broadcasts on radio and acts as a pundit on television...
. The conclusions of The Gene Illusion have been criticized by mainstream researchers in genetics, psychiatry, and psychology.
Joseph expressed similar criticism of the genetics research in autism
Autism
Autism is a disorder of neural development characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, and by restricted and repetitive behavior. These signs all begin before a child is three years old. Autism affects information processing in the brain by altering how nerve cells and their...
, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a developmental disorder. It is primarily characterized by "the co-existence of attentional problems and hyperactivity, with each behavior occurring infrequently alone" and symptoms starting before seven years of age.ADHD is the most commonly studied and...
(ADHD), schizophrenia
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a mental disorder characterized by a disintegration of thought processes and of emotional responsiveness. It most commonly manifests itself as auditory hallucinations, paranoid or bizarre delusions, or disorganized speech and thinking, and it is accompanied by significant social...
, and bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder or bipolar affective disorder, historically known as manic–depressive disorder, is a psychiatric diagnosis that describes a category of mood disorders defined by the presence of one or more episodes of abnormally elevated energy levels, cognition, and mood with or without one or...
in his second book, The Missing Gene: Psychiatry, Heredity, and the Fruitless Search for Genes (2006). He and J. Leo (who cites Joseph's publications) have also criticized some of the papers published in mainstream medical journals on the topic of psychiatric genetics by sending letters to the editor, which were rebuked by these mainstream researchers.
See also
- Anti-psychiatryAnti-psychiatryAnti-psychiatry is a configuration of groups and theoretical constructs that emerged in the 1960s, and questioned the fundamental assumptions and practices of psychiatry, such as its claim that it achieves universal, scientific objectivity. Its igniting influences were Michel Foucault, R.D. Laing,...
- Biopsychiatry controversyBiopsychiatry controversyThe biopsychiatry controversy is a dispute over which viewpoint should predominate and form the scientific basis of psychiatric theory and practice. The debate is a criticism of a claimed strict biological view of psychiatric thinking. Its critics including disparate groups such as the...
- Biological psychiatryBiological psychiatryBiological psychiatry, or biopsychiatry is an approach to psychiatry that aims to understand mental disorder in terms of the biological function of the nervous system. It is interdisciplinary in its approach and draws on sciences such as neuroscience, psychopharmacology, biochemistry, genetics and...
- Inheritance of intelligenceInheritance of intelligenceThe study of the heritability of IQ investigates the relative importance of genetics and environment for variation in intelligence quotient in a population...
- Mad in AmericaMad in AmericaMad in America: Bad Science, Bad Medicine, and the Enduring Mistreatment of the Mentally Ill is a controversial book by Robert Whitaker published in 2002 which is highly critical of the psychiatric profession. Problems with many historical aspects of treatment, as well as antipsychotics, are covered...
- Causes of schizophreniaCauses of schizophreniaThe causes of schizophrenia have been the subject of much debate, with various factors proposed and discounted or modified. The language of schizophrenia research under the medical model is scientific...
- Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder controversies