ABSTRACT
The idea that persons, minds and selves can be 'disordered' is discussed from historical and philosophical standpoints. It is argued that the identification of mind with brain is a false path when explanations of human nature are sought in the natural sciences. This has led to a strong bias towards physical treatments for psychological distress. Use of the term 'disorder' allows biological and social scientific explanations to exist side by side, but, as the example of depression illustrates, locating problems inside the person also serves ideological, political, pseudo-scientific and commercial interests.
