Hallucinogens
and Schizophrenia
Written for my second-year SSM (special study module) project on psychotropic drugs. It provides an overview of psychedelic drug action and relates the clnical effects of such drugs to the symptomatology of schizophrenia. Where similarities exist, the psychopharmacological action of hallucinogenic drugs is related to neuropsychological theories in the pathophysiology of schizoprenia - the so-called 'drug model' of schizophrenia. Indeed, the shortfalls of such a model are also realised.
LSD, psilocybin and mescaline are the main drugs considered in the essay. Cannabis has not been covered, since it was not within the remit of 'hallucinogens' in the 'psychotopic drugs' module.
Schizophrenia:
The Problem in the Mind-Brain Problem
Written for my third-year SSM project: Philosophy in Medicine. My aim was to examine the diagnosis of schizophrenia in relation to the philosophical 'mind-brain' problem. The challenge was therefore to make sure that the essay did not become two separate essays; one discussing the diagnosis of schizophrenia and the other concerning the mind-brain problem. I feel that I have achieved my aim, having written a piece that integrates the two subjects.
A public lecture given by my late grandfather, Dr Alexander Duddington, at the Royal Society of Medicine on 20th May, 1971. It looks at the relevance of C.G. Jung's work in the contemporary scene.
It makes interesting reading, both as an historical reflection on its time and, although it is over 30 years old, as a commentary that is still of relevance in the present day.
The
Birmingham Three Peaks Challenge
The Official Sponsors' Report from our charity adventure - the Three Peaks Challenge. A group of 11 medical students (including me) attempted the Challenge on 7th March 2003. We raised money for the Anthony Nolan Trust.
This report details the ups and downs of our adventure and was sent out to our major sponsors. Enjoy!