Mental Disorders as Brain Diseases

Bioethical, Cultural, and Social Implications

Bibliographic Data

ID7369893
AuthorsLucas França Garcia (0000-0002-5815-6150), Sophia Ivantes-Rodrigue (0009-0008-9967-6049), Leonardo Pestillo De Oliveira (0000-0001-5278-0676), José R Goldim (0000-0003-2127-6594)
Year2025
Pages139-161
Publication date2025-10-16
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueRevista de Bioética y Derecho (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1886-5887 • E-ISSN: 1886-5887
PublisherEdicions de la Universitat de Barcelona (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1344/rbd2025.65.50095
OpenAlexW4415917591
LanguageEN
References cited73

Background: Advances in modern neuroscience have led to a transformation in the understanding of mental disorders, which are now being reinterpreted as "brain diseases." Objective: To analyze the social, cultural, and bioethical implications of the shift towards a neurobiological paradigm in the understanding of mental disorders. Methods: A critical literature review was conducted, integrating insights from neuroscience, psychiatry, sociology, and bioethics to evaluate the impact of the neurobiological perspective. Results: The reinterpretation of mental disorders as brain diseases has significant implications, including changes in patient autonomy, the concept of biosociality, and ethical considerations regarding treatment. Initiatives like the "Decade of the Brain" and the "BRAIN Initiative" have fostered research linking brain dysfunctions to clinical symptoms, shaping both clinical practice and public perception. Conclusion: The neurobiological paradigm shift offers opportunities for advances in treatment but raises ethical, social, and cultural challenges. A balanced, interdisciplinary approach is essential to ensure fair and inclusive mental health policies and practices

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