Entelechy, Gyroscopes, and QBism: developing a Quantum Metaphor for the vital force

Background Entelechy (e.g., Hahnemann’s Vital Force, Vf), bears striking similarities to certain properties of quantum systems. Thus, the Vf is only indirectly observable via (centrifugally) expressed symptoms: a quantum property is only indirectly observable via its experimental effects. Consequently, a quantised Vf ‘gyroscopic’ metaphor is proposed where ‘axial’ rotation (represented by a wavefunction) undergoes dis-ease-induced retardation leading to Vf ‘precession’, i.e., symptom expression. Remedy-induced acceleration of axial rotation results in cure, via centrifugal removal of dis-ease, so precession/symptom expression ceases. The Vf ‘gyroscope’ is considered quantised partly because patients are observed during ‘discreet’ appointments, not continuously. Objective To develop this metaphor further by generating wavefunctions to represent the Vf in various states of dis-ease and health. Method Three wavefunctions are generated from secondary symptoms exhibited by the patient’s Vf, as observed by the practitioner. Three more wave functions are generated from analogous (unobserved) hypothetical states, representing the Vf evolving from health into a precursor dis-eased state. Results and discussion The evolution of therapeutic/dis-ease processes are imagined as transformations between these Vf wavefunctions, visualised as patient states on six of the nine points of an enneagram. The remaining three points represent practitioner states, ‘entangled’ with these processes. The Vf states may be divided into two groups - one indirectly observable via expressed symptoms, the other hypothetical - separated by a notional therapeutic ‘event horizon’. The practitioner, Janus-like, manages the therapeutic process by ‘negotiating’ between these two groups. Conclusion An interpretation of quantum theory called QBism (i.e., Quantum Bayesianism, in which a wavefunction represents only the total subjective information available to an assigning agent, not a shared separate objective reality), suggests these various Vf wavefunctions could represent Chalmers-like non-reductive information states, proposed as starting points for considering the influence of consciousness on the therapeutic process.

Entelechy Regained? Further Musings on a Quantised Gyroscopic Metaphor for the Vital Force in Health and Dis-Ease

Background: Many complementary and alternative medicine modalities consider the vital force (Vf) an organism’s source of health and healing, Hahnemann’s notion of the Vf having similarities with quantum systems. Thus, the Vf is only indirectly observable via expressed symptoms: a quantum property is only indirectly observable via its observed experimental effects. Objective: To develop further a quantised gyroscopic metaphor of the Vf in which dis-ease slows axial rotation, causing the Vf to precess (i.e., express symptoms). The curative remedy accelerates axial rotation, throwing off the dis-ease, so precession (and symptom expression) cease. Method: Using earlier wave functions depending solely on observed patient symptoms and changes to them, 6 further wave functions are generated, representing the Vf in various states of dis-ease and health. Results: All 6 Vf wave functions can be arranged on 6 of the 9 points of an enneagram, the other 3 representing the practitioner. Conclusion: Transformations between the 6 Vf states are readily visualised. They may also be divided into two groups separated by a therapeutic “event horizon,” the practitioner being the “arbiter” between them. Thus, they could represent non-reductive information states, suitable as starting points for understanding the influence of consciousness on the therapeutic process.

How Does ECT Work?

The major puzzle in ECT is its mechanism of action. How do seizures, which can be dangerous and damaging when they occur spontaneously, change a dysfunctional brain into one that performs normally? Why do repeated epileptic seizures relieve psychiatric disorders? The originator of the therapy, Ladislas Meduna, believed in a biological antagonism between mental illness and seizures, an antagonism we no longer consider credible. But though we may smile at this belief, we acknowledge that it led Meduna to devise methods to induce seizures safely, select patients who were likely to benefit, develop a plan for a successful course of treatments, demonstrate the safety of inducing seizures, evaluate the merits and risks of seizures as treatment, and convince others to continue his work. His observations have been repeatedly verified, leaving little doubt about the effectiveness of ECT in treating mental illnesses. We know a great deal about the essential features of a successful course of ECT. The generalized brain seizure is the central therapeutic event. The biochemical and physiological consequences of the seizure are the basis for the behavioral effects; neither anesthesia nor electric current alone is useful, nor, except rarely, is a single seizure. To be of benefit, seizures must be repeated two or three times a week for many weeks. The more recent the mood, thought, or movement disorder, the more fully it can be relieved. Illnesses involving lifelong problems, character pathology, neuroses, and the mood disorders secondary to the abuse of drugs are not amenable to this treatment. We know how to avoid the risks of anoxia, unmodified convulsions, and prolonged seizures, and we recognize that these aspects of the treatment course do not explain how ECT works. Two aspects of the brain seizure have been extensively studied. The EEG records electrical activity of the brain under electrodes that are symmetrically placed over the scalp. Immediately after the stimulus, the “seizure” EEG is recorded on a moving strip. The electrical waves show a sharp buildup of frequencies and amplitudes, then the frequencies slow, mixtures of slow brain waves and sharp spike-like waves appear, with ever higher amplitudes and slower waves in runs and bursts.

Some Issues in Caring for People with the Dual Disability of Down's Syndrome and Alzheimer's Dementia

Virtually all individuals with Down's syndrome over the age of 35 years have neuropathological changes characteristic of Alzheimer's disease. It has become increasingly recognized that people with Down's syndrome and dementia have very special needs, and those who care for them require specialist knowledge and skills. This paper aims to explore some important issues in caring for persons with this dual disability. It commences with a brief outline on the prevalence of dementia in this population. Diagnostic issues and the clinical presentation of dementia in persons with Down's syndrome are reviewed. In an attempt to help staff respond to the opportunities and challenges they encounter, issues discussed include: promoting well-being, developing a shared vision on which to build practice, mealtimes – a therapeutic event, reality orientation and validation therapy, communication, activity and entertainment.