Editorial

Free Will vs. “Addiction”

Jan Fawcett, MD

  • Psychiatric Annals
  • October 2011 - Volume 41 · Issue 10: 462-462
  • DOI: 10.3928/00485713-20110921-01
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Abstract

This month’s edition of Psychiatric Annals, guest edited by Joanne Caring, MD, covers a major problem in this country — obesity — paying special attention to patients with serious mental illness. The articles range from the epidemiology of obesity to bariatric surgery and pharmacologic induction and treatment.

One of these fascinating articles deals with the relationship of obesity to addictive brain processes, as well as cross-addiction to other substances. Could food, a substance necessary for our survival, become an addiction? Is there a relationship between the social anxiety associated with low self-esteem and food addiction?

doi: 10.3928/00485713-20110921-01

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