Abstract
In game theory, the word ‘game’ is used to describe any interdependence between interacting parties, and the Nash equilibrium is a prominent tool for analysing such interactions. I argue that the concept of the Nash equilibrium may also be used in non-gaming contexts. An individual is in a Nash equilibrium if his or her beliefs are consistent with his or her actions. Given that discordance between beliefs and behaviour is a typical cause of psychiatric disorders, individuals who are not in a Nash equilibrium are likely to be affected by such disorders. In this regard, the concept of the Nash equilibrium could aptly be introduced into the medical practitioner’s vocabulary for describing a patient’s mental health status.
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Notes
Henceforth, intervals of the form (a,b) indicate all real numbers from a to b, but excluding a and b, whereas intervals of the form [a,b] indicate all real numbers from a to b, including a and b.
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Patokos, T. The relevance of Nash equilibrium to psychiatric disorders. Theor Med Bioeth 32, 245–258 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11017-011-9175-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11017-011-9175-z