There are some things . . .

Psychoactive Ciné: The Perfect Host

Ran across this interesting movie without hearing anything about it. Well, it's pure mayhem . . . How can you go wrong with a schizophrenic serial killer imaginary dance party with an amazing soundtrack? If you are wondering what happens at the dinner parties at my house, this about sums it up. Check out this movie if you want to be hilariously disturbed . . .

The Mad Boy

Chapter II: The Artist's Guide to Understanding the DSM-V

This is the new video from APA President John Oldham, discussing the latest revisions to the upcoming DSM-5.

I mad a post, I mean I made . . . no, mad . . . a few days ago about the revisions to the DSM. I know what you're thinking, well I don't actually know but I'm used to talking to myself. . . we aren't doctors and this isn't something an artist is concerned with - wrong!

We are Artists and the benefits of Mental Healthcare go far beyond us feeling better. . . I'll explain later, here is a quick overview of the video:

• Over 500 experts are working to release the DSM-V in Spring 2013.
• This version progresses many out-dated disorders & ties in what we've learned over the last 20 years (when the last DSM was published)
• There is something called the 'Scientific Review Committee' - basically a way to make sure any revisions are legit.
• The general definition of Personality Disorders is broken down into two categories:
• Significant impairment of of the self or identity.
• Significant impairment of interpersonal functioning (i.e. empathy or intimacy)
• Personality Disorders will fall under 6 main categories: antisocial, avoidant, borderline, narcissistic, obsessive-compulsive & schizotypal.
• 'Personality Disorder Traits Specified' describes specific traits of each category & is aimed and helping those who are only half-nuts.
• What reason is there for another DSM, is it necessary?

" . . . It has been over 20 years since the last version was published. In those twenty years we've made explosive progress in understanding and treatment. [Dr. Oldham] believes we are more than ready & if anything overdue to define how we treat Mental Illness . . . "

So - this update is VERY important to us Mad Artists. Why? Because Mental Illness stifles creative innovation.

Yes I know, Art History is riddled with stories depicting the Troubled Artist - don't be fooled by this simplistic notion. Art moves us because it is the literal manifestation of emotion. . . This is WHY, even centuries later, the desperate music of Schubert or tragic eccentricity of Dali can bring you to your knees. . . Mental Illness disconnects an Artist from emotions. Emotion is your friend!

It's ok to be sad, to be angry, to be frantic. . . It's OK to be happy. . . But don't mistake Mental Disorders for emotions, they're not. They will do nothing less than nullify your creativity if left unchecked.

Be ridiculous.
Be hilarious.
Be enraged.
Be mad!

But more than anything - be you,

The Mad Boy

There's Madness Brewing in Tokyo. . .

Fashion, n. A despot whom the wise ridicule and obey.

~Ambrose Bierce

If there is one thing I love more than myself, it's the ingenious anarchy of Tokyo Fashion Week - it's somewhat of a substance. These designers have substance abuse problems, and they abuse it skillfully. . . The disordered folks over at TokyoFashion.com have full coverage of the happening shows, let's take a walk on the wild side . . .

This is the first of a long line of posts dedicated to Fashion. . . .

The Mad Boy

January Schofield

MEET

JANUARY
SCHOFIELD

January, or as her family calls her 'Jani', is a 6 year-old little girl who likes animals and wants to be a veterinarian. But there is something extraordinary about Jani; She is friends with two other girls, cats, rats, dogs and birds - and only she can see them.

"I'm Jani, and I have a cat named Emily-54 and I'm Saturn-the-rats babysitter", she introduces herself.

Jani has schizophrenia - suffering from delusions, hallucinations and rage so severe her father refers to it, "as though someone is fighting for their life." Sharon Roan, a writer for the Los Angeles Times, spoke with members of Jani's family, her medical team and the several Doctors specializing in Child-onset Mental Illness. There is an incredible short film chronicling the story of Jani, her family and her devastating illness -

 

. . . Child-onset schizophrenia is 20 to 30 times more severe than adult-onset schizophrenia," says Dr. Nitin Gogtay, a neurologist at the National Institute of Mental Health who helps direct the children's study, the largest such study in the world on the illness. Ninety-five percent of the time they are awake these kids are actively hallucinating," Gogtay says. "I don't think I've seen anything more devastating in all of medicine. . .

Here is the part of the story that had the biggest impact on this Mad Boy -

. . . Although she can't sit still long enough to read a book, she is a voracious learner. She's also bright -- her IQ is 146. Over the years, Jani's parents have entertained her by feeding her information well beyond her years: specifics of evolution, the Roman Empire, the periodic table of elements. 
"What is atomic symbol of tungsten?" her mother asks.
"W" . . .

This article is a MUST READ. . . The amazing story of this little girl will resonate with every Artist and how we approach our own lives & art - the world is lucky to have someone like January Schofield.

The Mad Boy