Ideology, Scientism and Mental Health
José Manuel Bertolín-Guillén
Background: There is an intrinsic conflict between science and ideology, with the expected rational
subordination of the latter. Objective: The present article will present a brief bibliographical
exploration in neuroscientific and cognitive terms on the importance of the set of norms and positions
of ideas or ideology held by the affected individuals in the field of mental health. It will particularly
explore psychobiological and communicative influences, as well as the practical attitude or subjective
perspectives of those involved in health interactions. Method: It is a narrative and theoretical review
study, based on the pertinent electronic and manual search in different national and international
qualified bibliographical indexes. The number of references included is n= 78. Results and discussion:
Modern neuropsychiatry and clinical psychology tend towards personalisation or precision applied to
individual mental health. Neuroscience fused with multiple approaches will be the next identity frontier
for both. In any case, the best accompaniment, subsumed or added to the specialised psychological or
psychiatric intervention, is essential for therapeutic adherence and effectiveness. Conclusion: Findings
for the psychobiological basis of most mental, behavioural and neurodevelopmental disorders is
beginning to collide with traditional exclusivist psychologistic preconceptions, as we are immersed into
a new era of scientism in search of the best experimental knowledge. Limitations: High heterogeneity of
scientific quality, approaches and contents of contributions make it difficult to pondering the obtained
results. Value: This article elucidates general basic questions on the considered matter.
