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Jan 24 - Biologist presents groundbreaking theory on psychiatric disorders
January 24, 2011
An award-winning biologist will present his groundbreaking new theory on psychiatric disorders at Douglas College next week in a free lecture open to the public.
Bernard Crespi, a professor of biological sciences from Simon Fraser University, will describe his idea that there is a shared genetic basis for psychiatric disorders such as autism and psychosis.
Where Darwin meets Freud: Psychosis and autism as diametrical disorders of the social brain takes place Feb. 4, 7-8pm, in the Laura C. Muir Performing Arts Theatre at Douglas College.
According to the New York Times, the theory "provides psychiatry with perhaps its grandest working theory since Freud."
"This work provides a new way to look at these disorders using evolutionary genetic theory," says Rob McGregor, instructor in biology and environmental science at Douglas College.
Crespi and research partner Christopher Badcock, a sociologist at the London School of Economics, propose that when a human embryo is produced, an evolutionary tug-of-war takes place between the mother's genes and the father's genes that can influence the balance of the offspring's brain.
A tip in balance toward the maternal genes or the paternal genes leads to opposite outcomes in offspring: a maternal bias pushes the brain toward the psychotic spectrum; a paternal bias toward the autistic spectrum.
Dismissing the idea that psychiatric disorders exist in silos, the theory proposes that autism and psychotic disorders exist along a single spectrum.
"The theory suggests a common basis for these disorders," says McGregor. "That's what's revolutionary about this idea: it's connecting dots that have never been connected before."
The lecture is the first in a four-part series at Douglas College and part of the provincial government's Year of Science, a program to raise awareness among British Columbians of the importance of science to our health and well being, our lifestyle and our economic future.
"Science is not just about making our lives easier and faster with iPods or BlackBerrys," said Ida Chong, Minister of Science and Universities. "Science is also about using research to improve the quality of our lives and to change our world for the better."
Thor Borgford, Dean of Science and Technology at Douglas, says this is a unique opportunity for the public to hear an expert speak on a topical subject.
"It has broad interest, but it also has very specific interest for people whose families have been impacted by autism and other syndromes."
Where Darwin meets Freud: Psychosis and autism as diametrical disorders of the social brain takes place Friday, Feb. 4, in the Laura C. Muir Performing Arts Theatre, Douglas College, 700 Royal Ave., New Westminster. Reception 6pm; Lecture 7-8pm. Free admission.