Gongye Road Primary School, Gaocheng District, Shijiazhuang City, Hebei Province
Plant a girl in spring
The spring breeze gently wakes her up
Green grass dyes her hair
Soft willows comb her tresses
Little bees hurry over with water pots
To feed her the sweetest drink
She puts on a colorful dress
Wears dewdrop silver earrings
And has a costume party with butterflies
……
She blooms
The whole world knows
2. 《秋天的课堂》
河北省石家庄市藁城区贾市庄镇贯庄小学 薛润楠 9岁
叶子们悄悄落下来
秋天的教室开学了
秋风老师教他们
跳舞、唱歌、做游戏
他们用自己的姿势
欢迎下一个春天
Autumn Classroom
Xue Runnan, 9 years old
Guanzhuang Primary School, Jiashizhuang Town, Gaocheng District, Shijiazhuang City, Hebei Province
Leaves fall quietly
The autumn classroom starts its term
Teacher Autumn Wind teaches them
To dance, sing, and play games
In their own postures
They welcome the next spring
线卷
我在老箱子里翻出一筒线卷
索性避开了从屋顶闯入的
鬼祟的雨
与背叛木梁而塌下的泥
没有尘染没有破损
几十年的线
把一群男女从婴儿缝成人
在几茬的棉花上从老虎绣成鸳鸯
索性是被珍藏的线卷
我手捏着软木芯的柄
我要怎样安排这几十或几百寸棉纤
在她身上插一根针当作饰品
还是把她扯下又缠上新的榆木的芯
拿不定主意
但决不会再让她缝棉衣缝布片
也不会让她绣老虎绣鸳鸯
找到她久别的丈夫
——熏黑的油灯
与他同葬
Spool of Thread
I rummaged through an old trunk and found a spool of thread
Thus evading the furtive rain
That intruded through the roof
And the mud that betrayed the wooden beams and collapsed
Untarnished, unbroken
This thread, after decades
Stitched a group of men and women from infants into adults
On several crops of cotton, embroidered tigers turned into mandarin ducks
It was a cherished spool of thread, indeed
I hold the soft wooden core’s handle
How should I arrange these dozens or hundreds of inches of cotton fibers?
Stick a needle into her as an ornament?
Or tear her off and wind her around a new elm core?
Undecided
But I’ll never let her sew cotton-padded clothes or cloth pieces again
Nor let her embroider tigers or mandarin ducks
Find her long-lost husband
——the smoke-blackened oil lamp
And bury them together
Su Yun, 17 years old, is a member of the Chinese Poetry Society and a young poet. His works have been published in more than ten countries. He has published two poetry collections in China, namely Inspiration from All Things and Wisdom and Philosophy, and one in India titled WITH ECSTASY OF MUSINGS IN TRANQUILITY. He has won the Guido Gozzano Orchard Award in Italy, the Special Award for Foreign Writers in the City of Pomezia, and was praised by the organizing committee as the “Craftsman of Chinese Lyric Poetry”. He has also received the “Cuttlefish Bone” Best International Writer Award for those under 25.
I was heading back to Tucson after I had made a Drug Run of eighty kilos of Cocaine to Sacramento. It was originally meant to be delivered to San Francisco but an earthquake of devastating proportion caused the destination to be changed.
I finally boarded my flight to Phoenix after my stopover in Los Angeles.
Whenever traveling alone it seems I always get seated next to someone with some kind of annoying trait or disgusting habit. The incessant talkers that go on even after you express disinterest. There’s the drunks with an unpleasant attitude . Or those with body odor or with an excessive amount of cologne or perfume which is just as displeasing. Close talkers with bad breath. Others who pick their nose or clean out ear wax. Then they offer to shake hands with the one they just used to pick their nose. You get the idea. I do wonder if the person that gets seated next to me may find me annoying. I’m occasionally drunk, seldom stinky, borderline attractive, depending on the border and my demeanor couldn’t be classified as unpleasant. I am an absolute pleasure , how could anyone not enjoy an encounter with me? This time fate does me a solid and my traveling companion in Seat 12 A , the window seat on this flight to Phoenix, is not a beautiful woman but instead a scholarly looking fellow. His face is wrinkled, weathered and pocked, a testament to his many bouts with the challenges that life has thrown at him. As I sit down he uncaringly stuffs his jacket under the seat. He strokes his scraggly beard then pushes the call assistance light to summon the Flight Attendant. He stares at me with a blank expression not showing any emotion. It seems as though he’s sizing me up.
I notice the Flight Attendant coming toward us. She’s working her way up the aisle through the passengers still boarding, stashing their items in the overhead storage and searching for their seats.
“Good morning sir. How can I be of assistance?” She greets us in a melodic voice while reaching to turn off the call light.
” Well let me tell you that as soon as possible, I need three of those baby bottle sized Whiskeys you sell. No need for a glass, water or ice. Just the Whiskey and I don’t care what brand. And how about you there Pancho you want something? I’m buying.” The scholarly fellow asks.
“Sure , thanks. I’ll have a Whiskey as well in the baby bottle. It doesn’t matter which brand. ” I responded.
“I’m unable to serve you gentlemen before we depart but I will get your order as soon as we reach our cruising altitude and the pilot turns off the fasten seat belt sign.” She says.
“You need to know I am an alcoholic and must have my medication otherwise I can’t be held responsible for my actions. And Pancho here appears as though he may possibly suffer from the same affliction. How is it that I noticed when I first entered there were people enjoying cocktails up front there. What gives?” The self proclaimed dipsomaniac asks.
“Sir, that’s the First Class you’re in Coach. Those passengers pay extra for that privilege and service.” The waitress in the sky explained.
“So let me understand. I’m just second class and it all comes down to money? Another example of the inequality of Capitalism and it smells of bullshit! Do I appeal to the head of the Airline to protest this bourgeoisie oppression or would this be something you could possibly remedy? ” He says.
I am unable to hide my reaction from the humorous exchange and I begin to laugh. The attendant leaves hastily shaking her head in disgust although still with her smile. She returns moments later with six baby bottles of Scotch.
“A gift from the Airline. My pleasure. And I know who you are, mister. So mind your manners. ” She warns.
” Thank you ever so much.You shall be generously rewarded by the Gods my dear. Ya see Pancho sometimes ya just have to kick the rules in the balls .”
I wasn’t offended or insulted with what some might consider a racist comment with the Pancho reference. There was no malice intent in his expression describing my ethnicity. Although I’ve always been under the impression that my appearance was more Italian than Mexican. The ball kicker hands me two bottles of scotch and keeps four for himself. One extra for him as commission for his effort he explains.
” So what’s your story Pancho? Everybody’s got a story, some just not as interesting as others. So what do you do? You a drug dealer or a crop picker on vacation? Are you in this country legally or are you one of those border jumpers?” He inquires.
“I don’t want to disappoint you but I am a Priest from Nogales ,Arizona. I just delivered donations of food and clothing to the earthquake victims in San Francisco. I’m headed back gotta work Bingo at the church tonight.”
“Son of a bitch! Are you fucking feeding me a line of bullshit? I would have never guessed that even if I was clairvoyant. You should be wearing your Collar so you don’t catch people off guard. It’s not fair going undercover. So how’s that God fellow doin? Ya think he ever feels guilty about destroying people’s lives by his ruthless ungodly actions?
I think of his assholiness as quite a prick. It doesn’t matter he doesn’t exist anyway. Don’t want to offend you or your beliefs so I won’t give you my take on him or religion. Gonna have to wait until I’m drunk. Then ya can give me a Peso for my thoughts. Here’s to your Jesus and the rest of the fictitious characters in that Bible. And to all the religious fanatics as well . What a fairy tale ,a book of fables written by religious fanatics, numerous authors , interpreted by an unknown number of editors. Thrown together hundreds of years ago without any factual data. And with events stolen directly from other religions. I’d rather worship the spirit in these tiny bottles. At least I know it exists and it tells the truth.” He says raising his bottle in a toast that excludes me. So that was an example of him sparing my feelings by not expressing his opinion? I found it curious that he was concerned with possibly insulting my religious ideals but had no problem referring to me as Pancho. I truly liked this character. There was realism in his demeanor and a fire of wisdom burning in his eyes . His views no matter how socially or politically incorrect were sung and voiced without derogatory intent.
“So what do you have to say for yourself Mr. Dipsomaniac? You do anything else other than drink and give people a hard time? Are you a mean drunk? And what experience was so traumatic in your life that it resulted in you becoming an alcoholic as you refer to yourself? Another question, the Flight Attendant said she knew who you were. What did she mean? And…” He interrupts me.
“Hold on there Padre! I’m not one of your misguided flock that you can flog with your rosary and threaten omnipotent retribution for indiscretions. Just thought we would share philosophies on the complexity of women or maybe discuss a favorite or worst book you’ve read. I’m not much for sports or political issues. But you want to pick at my psyche, get personal, have me bare my naked soul and we haven’t even gotten off the ground. Not gonna happen Padre.” He speaks without taking a breath.
The airplane begins to make its way down the runway. We are thrusted into the cloudless sky as the ground below shrinks into minute images.
“It’s only the take offs and landings that rattle my nerves.” He says.
The fourth miniature bottle of Scotch meets with his lips and is emptied in one loud gulp. The aircraft levels off at the pilot’s designated altitude and the ding sounds indicating the fasten seat belt light has been turned off. Immediately after, he reaches once again for the Assistance Button and pushes at it with force.
“Gotta find our Angel of Mercy to stoke the fire. Ya ready for another there Padre?” My new best friend askes.
“No, I am just fine at the moment. I’ll wait it out till Phoenix , have a connecting flight to Tucson. They say if ya die in Tucson your soul will have to catch a connecting flight to heaven.”
“Cute, not funny, just cute. And you can spare me your Reader’s Digest witticisms. Save them for the Bingo crowd. Have you always been a servant to your imaginary deity or was there a time when you cut loose? Understand what I’m getting at?”
“Yes I understand and absolutely, I had an abundant supply of paint when I was younger with which I generously painted many a town red. However the time came around when I wrestled with the ” Better to serve in hell than Reign in heaven” quote. I concluded that I could become more useful as a Priest than as a party animal.”
“Familiar with Milton I see.”
“Yes and with Voltaire, Moliere, Rousseau and the entire pack of howling Philosophers. The Beat Writers and Poets as well.”
“Quite impressed there Padre Pancho. But I am starting to develop a severe case of doubt concerning you being a man of the cloth. In fact I don’t believe you are a Priest at all or for that matter a Catholic or even a Christian. Where the hell is the Attendant? I am drying out .” He says while looking down the aisle front and back.
“Would you like me to fetch her for you?”
“I see her in back there readying the drink wagon now. Guess I’ll have to ride out the drought.”
“Here take my other bottle, you need it more than I .” I offer.
He accepts my gift displaying a huge grin.
” I don’t care who the hell you are Padre, you’re okay in my book.”
I’m trying to figure out who this guy could be. He didn’t seem familiar to me at all. I was sure he wasn’t an actor or a famous musician. He couldn’t be a politician like a Senator or Representative. I was leaning toward the Arts, maybe a famous Painter or Film Director. Then it all became obvious to me who this character was and what he did. He was a writer, a famous Author. I had read a lot of his work of Transgressive Fiction. This guy had written a great number of books and was a celebrated poet as well.
“Let me introduce myself. I’m Father Santiago. I’m enjoying our time together on this flight. You’re quite the character.” I said.
” Still going with the Father act huh? Well I’m not buying what you’re selling. So is it alright if I just call you Santiago?”
“Sure, Santiago will be just fine.”
As we shook hands he introduced himself.
” Pleased to meet you Santiago. I’m Henry Chinaski. Henry Chinaski is my name. My one friend calls me Hank.”
” Okay Hank. I should have known.”
Judge Santiago Burdon
Stray Dogs and Deuces Wild: Cautionary Tales, Not Real Poetry, Quicksand Highway, Fingers in the Fan, Tequila’s Bad Advice: Poetry With the Worm, Lords of the Afterglow: Renegades and Noblemen, Overdose of Destiny: Impulse Fiction, Architect of Havoc, A Charlatan’s Aphorisms: Junk Drawer Poetry.
They Came（it was published by Cathexis Northwest Press）
Tuol Sleng like a poisonous flower exhaling a piercing venom.
The palm trees swayed beneath the faltering shadow, a procession of bones
—the dead— labeled as intellectuals.
They came like a gust of wind, They came like a herd of wild beasts. They came slaughter upon slaughter, cursing Tuol Sleng, damning its streets and rivers.
They regarded themselves as fanatical idealists, But never, made the place a paradise. Passion torched it into a fiery hell.
They came with frantic lusts. They came to Cambodia— its flesh drenched in rouge.
When Tuol Sleng opened, Moonlight buried people in a sunken pit of earth.
Throughout history, there are figures that never fade with time. Figures that, even if born from mythical imagination or ancient philosophical thought, continue to inspire, challenge, and teach. One such figure is Heracles – a hero who didn’t just accomplish twelve labors, but who shaped an entire cultural and ethical worldview across the centuries.
With deep emotion and admiration, Eviasmile today hosts an interview that unfolds Heracles not as a mere myth, but as a multifaceted phenomenon: historical, ethnological, philosophical, artistic, and profoundly human. The artist and researcher Konstantinos Fais, through his visual creations and in-depth study, guides us into the fascinating world of Heracles – from ancient Erytheia to Euboea and the Lichadonisia – proving that this hero is more modern and relevant than ever.
Eva Petropoulou Lianou
1. I came to know you through Mrs. Eva Petropoulou-Lianou, with whom I’ve been collaborating for the past year. Upon discovering your work, I was deeply moved and thought to engage in an interesting conversation about the Path of Heracles. How did your involvement with Heracles begin?
First of all, I must mention that Mrs. Petropoulou-Lianou is a calm yet powerful force in the realm of culture. Despite her cultural and humanitarian actions evolving on a global scale, she chooses to avoid showiness and unnecessary spectacle.
As for Heracles, although I was fascinated by his myth since childhood, my intensive engagement with the hero began about eight years ago, when I decided to delve into highlighting primarily Greek and broader Mediterranean culture through visual art. A thorough study of Greco-Roman literature – essential for understanding Heracles – introduced me to incredible dimensions of the myth that geographically extend beyond Hellenism, even as it developed during the Second Major Greek Colonization of the Archaic period.
The myth’s excellence became strikingly apparent and admittedly captivated me. Heracles not only survived the fall of the Greek world with the rise of the Roman Empire, but became a symbol of strength and bravery, a tool of political symbolism, and an archetype embraced by emperors. Leaders and entire dynasties in the ancient world claimed descent from him – for example, Leonidas of Sparta was considered his 20th descendant, Alexander the Great his 27th, along with Pyrrhus I of Epirus and Fabius Maximus.
From the fall of the Roman Empire through the Byzantine period, the Renaissance, and the Enlightenment, Heracles of Thebes retains his status as a paragon of chivalry, arriving in our times with undiminished prestige…in such a way that all other heroes pale in comparison.
2. According to your research, do you believe this hero really existed? What can we learn from his mythology and how can it influence modern life?
First, allow me to congratulate you on your bold and deeply thoughtful question. It’s my belief that this most dazzling chapter of Greek Mythology and of Hellenism as a whole contains a strong historical core.
It may be that the myth was inspired by a prominent Greek figure from the Bronze Age, or a succession of notable individuals whose deeds merged into a unified mythological narrative. The ethnological approach, based on Greek and Roman sources starting with Herodorus of Pontus, suggests that there were at least seven mythical figures named Heracles – and the Roman scholar Varro mentions 43! Roman author Mavrus Servius Honoratus notes that even before the Roman Empire, any man of immense strength was dubbed “Heracles” by the Romans.
Of course, there’s also the contrasting theory that the myth is a purely philosophical construct, its interpretation shifting with the times and the author. Regardless, the knowledge and values transmitted through the myth – from archaic and classical antiquity to modern life – constitute undeniable cultural and moral wealth.
The truth is that Heracles’ myth is transformed throughout recorded history: from Homer’s “performer of great deeds,” to the “king of empires from East to West” in Dio Chrysostom, and then to the “benefactor of the people” in John Tzetzes of the 12th century AD. His character evolves fascinatingly.
Consider the myth’s wide reach in the ancient world – from the island of Erytheia west of Tartessos to the Aornis Rock in Asia, from the Hyperboreans to Ethiopia – people everywhere told of his exploits. As for what he teaches us: to purify our soul and follow the path of Virtue requires constant struggle and sacrifice, regardless of origin or status.
Despite his many epic feats, if I were to choose one defining moment of his life, it would be the famous allegory by the sophist Prodicus – the crossroad where Heracles must choose between Virtue and Vice, ultimately choosing Virtue. As Pythagoras also said, it is the difficult tasks that lead to virtue, not the pleasant ones. He called virtue “the law of the gods” and great-heartedness, prudence, and bravery “strong anchors.”
3. In exploring the etymology of the name “Heracles,” I found that it means “the glory of Hera.” But according to mythology, he was pursued by the goddess Hera. How do we reconcile this?
First, it’s worth noting that Heracles was also descended from Perseus and Alcaeus, which is why he was initially called Alcaeus or Alcides, after that ancestor. Mythological accounts differ by era, region, and author.
The version you refer to is explained as follows: Hera, to punish Zeus’s infidelity, sent two snakes to kill the infant Heracles. I’m fond of the astronomical detail from Theocritus of Syracuse, who wrote that “on the night the Bear [Ursa Major] tilted westward, two snakes with sparkling eyes, dark venom, and terrible fangs charged at Heracles.” Yet the baby strangled them with ease and, when Amphitryon entered the room in a panic, Heracles joyfully tossed the dead serpents at his foster father’s feet.
Another “earthly” version from Pherecydes of Athens claims it was Amphitryon himself who placed the snakes in the cradle to see which child was his own. When the people of Argos learned what had happened, they gave the boy the name “Heracles” – meaning he earned glory (kleos) because of Hera.
Another version: after Hera drove him mad, causing him to kill his own family, Heracles sought purification at the Oracle of Delphi. There, the Pythia gave him the name Heracles – “he who glorifies Hera” – as a form of spiritual redemption.
If we set aside Hera, there are other theories. Diodorus Siculus says the Heracles of Zeus and Alcmene – “the third and final one, who lived just before the Trojan War” – inherited the name from two earlier figures: the Cretan Idaean Heracles and an Egyptian Heracles. Because he lived a similar life to theirs, it was believed that “through all the ages, there was only one Heracles.” This is part of what we call the “ethnological prism” of Heracles.
Lastly, the philosopher Porphyry wrote in On Statues that Heracles was a name for the Sun, from klasthai pros ton aera – “to move toward the air,” symbolizing the sun’s journey from east to west, which purifies the Earth of evil. Thus, the twelve labors were linked mythologically to the zodiac cycle.
And regarding Hera’s jealousy: ironically, it was her milk that made Heracles immortal and created the Milky Way. This strange twist, as Diodorus puts it, shows how his birth mother abandoned him out of fear, while the source of his fear – his stepmother – unwittingly gave him divine nourishment.
4. I’ve volunteered for over nine years supporting people with disabilities. Could you share a bit about your artwork and your collaboration with the Lighthouse for the Blind?
Allow me once again to express my sincere admiration for your work. That collaboration was a unique and truly profound experience for me. It’s a real challenge for a visual artist to create for those with visual impairments, as sight is a primary mode of receiving information.
I had to carefully select the appropriate artistic pieces to fulfill this goal. We raised the bar for knowledge through Art and ancient literature because inclusion is a social imperative without boundaries. The first piece adapted into tactile format through the pioneering PIAF method was a portrait of Heracles.
5. Through your artistic perspective, can we find the path of Virtue that Heracles followed?
Regarding my art, I can confidently say that it is an effort to highlight our sacred and ancient heritage through each work – the result not only of long-term research but also of selfless love for our heroic and genealogical lineage.
From our modern elders to the ancients, our legacy is unified, and I believe we must respect it and build our future upon its timeless teachings. That said, distancing myself from narrow ideologies or opportunism, I believe it is up to each person to interpret visual stimuli in ways that serve both personal and collective good.
Greed, excess, and superficial modern lifestyles have caused spiritual atrophy in humanity – what Periander once called a “burdensome inheritance.” As Thucydides said, “Without courage, no art holds power over danger.” Food for thought…
6. On your social media, I noticed some of your works have been animated through AI. Can you tell me more about that?
Yes, depending on the context, I was initially hesitant – even skeptical – about artificial intelligence. But I eventually gave in to curiosity and experimented a bit. I must admit, I was impressed with the results.
However, as an artist rooted in classical and Hellenistic styles, I’ll approach this realm with great caution. We “old-school” researchers and artists still say nothing compares to the “smell of paper.” I’m in favor of progress, of course – but with respect for our roots and ethical framework.
7. While writing this interview, I thought schools could organize activities to help students learn about Heracles and draw life lessons from him. What do you think of this idea?
It’s an excellent idea – the real question is whether the authorities are willing to implement it with maturity and vision, as the greatest hero deserves. If we continue to treat Greek mythology – and Heracles in particular – merely as bedtime stories, there’s little hope for serious progress.
Heracles is an epic saga that’s been burning bright for 3,000 years. Interpreting his myth requires a multidimensional approach, and to incorporate it into education effectively demands thoughtful planning.
It should begin with simple storytelling at the early stages, then gradually delve into primary sources and the myth’s historical evolution – from Antiquity, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, the Enlightenment, to the 19th-century comparative theories and 20th-century psychoanalytical and structuralist interpretations.
Higher education institutions should also take this more seriously. As far as I know, that’s not yet happening. For any such attempt to bear fruit, wisdom and care are essential.
8. Before we conclude this wonderful discussion, is there a final message you’d like to share with Eviasmile readers?
This truly was a beautiful discussion. I’d like to share a myth related to your island. Beyond Heracles’ connection to the healing springs of Aidipsos, tradition tells us that after he conquered Oechalia and took Iole, the daughter of the city’s king, they went to Euboea – to Cape Cenaeum – where he built an altar to Cenaean Zeus.
To offer a sacrifice, he sent a herald, Lichas, to nearby Trachis to bring him his ceremonial robe. However, Lichas revealed the whole affair to Heracles’ wife, Deianira, who, overcome with jealousy, gave him the tunic soaked with Nessus’ blood.
Heracles wore it to perform the sacrifice, but the poison seeped into his flesh, causing it to rot. In pain and rage, he hurled Lichas into the Euboean Sea. From the fragments of Lichas’ body, the Lichadonisia islands were said to be formed.
The Italian sculptor Antonio Canova immortalized this scene with a technique equal to Hellenistic sculpture over 200 years ago. Today, one can admire this neoclassical masterpiece at the National Gallery of Modern Art in Rome.
On a related note, I’m also intrigued by the Lelantine War of your island, as recorded by Thucydides – one of the defining events of early Greek history.
In conclusion, I’m truly pleased that Eviasmile has shown such genuine interest in Heracles and the glories of our ancestors through this wonderful interview. Euboea’s rich legacy must be preserved and promoted through coordinated effort.
This interview is not merely a conversation about Heracles – it is a journey into the essence of Virtue, Courage, Sacrifice, and Faith. Our guest, with grace, depth, and a deep sense of cultural duty, reminds us that the past is not dust on library shelves, but a guide toward a more meaningful future.
Eviasmile is honored to host voices that respect tradition, elevate our cultural identity, and inspire new generations to walk – like Heracles – the difficult but redemptive path of Virtue. Because ultimately, every heroic deed begins with one question: “What kind of person do you want to become?”
Clinical psychiatry is a branch of medicine focused on diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental disorders. Over the past decades, the field has undergone significant transformation due to advancements in neuroscience, imaging technologies, and psychometric tools. Modern diagnostic methods have improved accuracy, reduced misdiagnosis, and enabled early intervention, which is critical for effective treatment outcomes. This paper explores the evolution of psychiatric diagnostics, emphasizing current evidence-based approaches, including structured interviews, neuroimaging, genetic testing, and digital assessment tools. The discussion also highlights the integration of biological, psychological, and social models in psychiatric evaluation and the ethical considerations surrounding emerging technologies.
Keywords: Clinical psychiatry, modern diagnostics, mental disorders, neuroimaging, psychometrics, genetic testing, early intervention
Introduction
Clinical psychiatry plays a central role in the healthcare system by addressing mental health issues ranging from depression and anxiety to severe psychotic disorders. Historically, psychiatric diagnosis relied heavily on clinical observation and patient-reported symptoms. However, this approach, while valuable, often lacked objective biological markers. Advances in neuroscience, imaging, and computational tools have transformed psychiatry into a more precise and multidisciplinary field. Today, psychiatrists combine traditional clinical expertise with advanced diagnostic technologies to improve diagnostic accuracy, personalize treatment, and reduce stigma.
Evolution of Psychiatric Diagnostics
The 20th century witnessed the introduction of structured diagnostic systems such as the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) and the ICD (International Classification of Diseases). These systems standardized diagnostic criteria, facilitating consistency across clinical and research settings. However, psychiatric disorders often exhibit overlapping symptoms, making differentiation challenging. To address this, researchers have developed objective tools, including neuroimaging, genetic profiling, and standardized psychometric assessments.
Modern Diagnostic Methods
Structured Clinical Interviews
Tools such as the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM Disorders (SCID) and the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) ensure standardized questioning, reducing diagnostic variability between clinicians.
Neuroimaging Techniques
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Detects structural brain changes linked to disorders such as schizophrenia and major depressive disorder.
fMRI (Functional MRI): Measures brain activity by detecting blood flow changes, useful for studying cognitive and emotional processing.
PET (Positron Emission Tomography): Evaluates metabolic activity, aiding in the study of neurodegenerative conditions and mood disorders.
Genetic and Biomarker Testing
Genomic studies have identified specific gene variants associated with psychiatric conditions. For example, variations in the COMT and SERT genes are linked to mood regulation. Biomarkers such as cortisol levels can provide insight into stress-related disorders.
Psychometric Assessments
Standardized questionnaires like the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) quantify symptom severity and track treatment progress.
Digital and AI-Based Tools
Mobile applications, wearable devices, and artificial intelligence algorithms are increasingly used for continuous mood monitoring, speech pattern analysis, and early detection of relapse.
Integration of Diagnostic Approaches
A modern psychiatric evaluation often involves a biopsychosocial approach, combining biological (e.g., neuroimaging, genetic testing), psychological (e.g., cognitive assessments), and social (e.g., environmental stressors) factors. This integrated model enables a holistic understanding of the patient, enhancing treatment planning and outcomes.
Ethical Considerations
While modern diagnostic tools offer greater accuracy, they raise ethical questions about privacy, data protection, and informed consent. Genetic testing, for example, can reveal information with implications beyond psychiatry, affecting family members and insurance eligibility. Balancing technological innovation with ethical responsibility is essential for maintaining trust in mental healthcare.
Conclusion
Clinical psychiatry is undergoing a paradigm shift from purely symptom-based diagnosis to integrated, technology-driven approaches. Modern diagnostic methods—ranging from structured interviews to neuroimaging and AI—allow earlier, more accurate detection of mental disorders. As these tools become more accessible, psychiatrists must ensure that their use aligns with ethical principles, patient-centered care, and the broader goal of reducing the global burden of mental illness.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed., Text Revision). APA Publishing.
Insel, T. R., & Cuthbert, B. N. (2015). Brain disorders? Precisely. Science, 348(6234), 499–500.
Keshavan, M. S., Nasrallah, H. A., & Tandon, R. (2011). Schizophrenia, “Just the Facts” 6. Moving ahead with the schizophrenia concept: From the elephant to the mouse. Schizophrenia Research, 127(1–3), 3–13.
Tursunbayeva Shohida Baxtiyor qizi 5th-year student, Faculty of Medicine, General Medicine program, Al-Faraganus University
Scientific Supervisor: Asadova Gulnara Akmalovna, Associate Professor, Department of Clinical Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology specialty
