How the Cognitive Science of Belief Can Transform the Study of Mental Health (original) (raw)

The cognitive science of belief is a burgeoning field, with insights ranging from detailing the fundamental structure of the mind, 1 to explaining the spread of fake news. 2 Here we highlight how new insights into belief acquisition, storage, and change can transform our understanding of psychiatric disorders. Although we focus on monothematic delusions, the morals apply more broadly. Psychiatry & Belief The Capgras syndrome patient thinks their loved one is an impostor yet doesn't call the cops. The Cotard's syndrome patient thinks they're dead but still eats dinner. These delusions seem like the workings of a belief system gone haywire. Why would one share the same bed as their spousereplacing clone? How can one believe they're dead but still want seconds?