Therefore Szasz’s position is that there can only be brain diseases (if we accept the definition of a disease). If for example a mental disorder is shown to be caused by a measurable physical abnormality then, like neurosyphilis, it will be removed from the sphere of psychiatry to be treated by neurology.

In this part 1, I think that Szasz would generally agree with you up until your ‘sound’ conclusion which to me appears as a jump of faith. i.e

‘if part of the brain allows us to pay attention, in some people that part of the brain must function poorly causing a deficit of attention.’

Of course we know that those who suffer from a measurable brain disease will experience a deficit in their ability to pay attention. But for those, for example, who suffer from ADHD, how do we know the lack of attention is caused by brain abnormality as opposed to simple lack of interest. I know from my personal experience that I found it difficult to pay attention to those things that I had no interest in. Many years ago when I was at school there were many lessons which I found to be so boring that I could not listen to. I would look out the window and daydream and ignore the Religious Instruction teacher, much to his dismay and anger. I think today because of cultural changes, and not medical advances, I would be diagnosed as having ADHD, or even ODD. My ex-wife would certainly concur that I suffer from adult ADHD!.

Let me also state that I am not a scientologist nor am I anti-psychiatry nor am I a ‘denier’! I have an interest in the subject and I argue my position not through antagonism, but from a desire to find out more.

Many thanks … S