What does anxiety have to do with hiding from lions? How can apple picking explain depression? Evolutionary psychiatrist Randolph Nesse explains.
In this episode of Simplify, Caitlin asks Randolph Nesse why he believes that humans have evolved to experience hardships such as depression, anxiety and grief. As it turns out, while many of our most painful emotions often do not serve a proper function in our modern world, they may have a history that allowed for our ancestors to survive.
Randolph Nesse reveals the ways in which the fields of psychiatry and psychology could benefit from a focus on evolutionary biology, and shares a specific strategy which he uses in his own practice with patients.
For more info, including links to everything discussed in the episode, check out this link: https://www.blinkist.com/magazine/posts/simplify-psychiatry-randolph-nesse/[2]
Try Blinkist for free for 14 days by going to [https://www.blinkist.com/simplify][3], tapping on Try Blinkist at the top right, and entering the code evolve. Let us know what you thought of this episode, or just come say hi on Twitter! Find Caitlin at [@caitlinschiller][4], Ben at [@bsto][5].
Simplify is produced by Caitlin Schiller with unparalleled co-hosting by Ben Schuman-Stoler. Thanks to Ines Bläsius for production assistance and Christoph Meyer for audio engineering chops. The new Simplify theme is by the one and only Odysseas Constantinou.
[1]: https://www.blinkist.com/en/books/good-reasons-for-bad-feelings-en
[2]: https://www.blinkist.com/magazine/posts/simplify-psychiatry-randolph-nesse/
[3]: https://www.blinkist.com/simplify
[4]: https://twitter.com/caitlinschiller?lang=en
[5]: https://twitter.com/bsto
[6]: https://www.blinkist.com/magazine/posts/simplify-randolph-nesse-transcript/