THE NERVOUS AND THE PSYCHIC

In this paper traditional concepts of a link between mental activity and brain activity are reviewed, and hypothesis of brain as a biological interface, which was earlier (2008) suggested by the author, is developed. Approaches to research of psyche in areas of physiology, psychophysiology, psychology and psychiatry, as well as their applications to therapy of patients with mental disorders, are analyzed. The author suggests two main models of mental disorders based on clearer differentiation of organic (brain) pathology and mental disorders as such that result from informational non-material influence on psyche rather than on brain. Difference between nervous and psychic functioning of organism and personality is outlined; mental activity is viewed as an acquired or programmed function formed in social informational environment.

biological interface, information, brain, nerves, psyche, psychosomatics, symbolization, “soft and hard”, brain structure, psychic structures, psychopharmacology