To what degree is theory evidence? Scientific theories are supposed to represent the best, most tested and confirmed evidence from observation and hypothesis testing, molded into concepts that aid human understanding. Yet, the modern human mind easily blurs distinctions among theory, hypothesis, mechanism, observation, and opinion, often to someone’s disadvantage or even peril. This concern has a significant implication for treatment planning. I routinely observe practitioners choosing...

Early assessments of medical errors frequently focused on deficiencies in procedures and systems, yet research shows that 75% of those errors are individual and cognitive. And although typical medical training calls for the learning, storing, and recalling of large amounts of information, few medical professionals receive instruction on how to recognize, anticipate, and avoid innate mechanisms that can easily lead to cognitive error. I’m happy to report that American Psychiatric Publishing,...