Comments: The New York Times Gets It Right
I think that is a good article.
I also think Fenton was very rare, and there need to be more fearless docs like that out there.
As I have written before, I have witnessed my daughter ON medications in an extreme category of unrest to put it mildly.
I could not find one doctor to see her in person, and the one that did was behind locked doors and not happy I brought her to the (office)appointment "like that". (psychotic).
He was clearly afraid. He let the fear drive him. He refused to treat her. Still does. His reaction was frightening in itself.
There is part of the article that says:
“When a patient is revving up and paranoid,” Dr. McGlashan said, “instead of becoming imperious or dogmatic or rigid I might admit that I’m kind of nervous too. If you’re scared, you let the patient know that. Because a lot of their behavior is coming from their perception of being threatened. If you let them know that you are feeling threatened, vulnerable and not interested in controlling them, that can help defuse the situation.”
That is what works. I do this myself. I just let her know that what she is doing at the time, whether its verbal or movement, appears frightening to others, and she has recently said she didn't realize it. I feel being able to talk to a psychotic person is an ability that not everyone has...docs don't always have that ability.
I've been in a few situations where my ability to do this has come in handy to say the least. (not just with my daughter, but in hospitals).
I do understand my daughter's doc's fears;
though being in the business of making money by medicating mentally ill patients...well, I think if the doc can't drop the fear at the door, then one needs a new job. Just my opinion.
I have had the unique situation to base my anti-forced medication thought upon. I have only seen my daughter mega-violent on medications. So if those were the meds that were prescribed under a forced agreement/paperwork, what to do then? keep taking them?
This is what needs to be picked apart and studied.
Violence on and off meds, in equal studies.
There are not enough answers.
Posted by Stephany at September 19, 2006 08:39 AM
I feel it is imperative for those reading my post re: speaking to psychotic people, that I need to emphasize, that it is important to know when to speak, and when not to speak.
There are also times, that there are no options for a conversation of any type.
My personal experience, based on life with my daughter when very psychotic; is that there is an unpredictability with this illness, as with all mental illnesses.
One never can predict how a person will respond, or react when they are sick. The times for us ,that were the most intense frankly, were when she was on her own, and would come from basically "no where" from another room. In those times that she was aggressive, I had no warning.
Sometimes, there really is nothing any one can do. This is most likely what could have transpired with Fenton and his patient. I've been in that type of a situation so many times.
I feel, that experiences like these, like mine, are what cause the knee-jerk reaction of the public, and docs and anyone else who stereotypes someone with a history of psychosis especially ones who have been previously violent.
It is important, to remember there is a person there, not just an illness, and one must not judge or fear someone because of previous violent behaviors. Which is what society in general does......and then the scope broadens out to those who have never been violent, and the circle of discrimination widens.
Time for a change.
Posted by Stephany at September 19, 2006 01:19 PM
Hi Stephany,
I've had that same expirience with doctors not wanting to see me.
I orignially was treated for anorexia, but when upon realizing that I had schizophrenia, my therapist, whom I had been working with for years, decided to dump me because she thought I might continually try to harm her. I had never been so heartbroken.
Anyway, I'm always thinking about your daughter, and am always hoping that she finds stability. I feel like your daughter and I have a lot in common, and I really, really want for her to be well.
Take care,
Gwen
Posted by Gwen at September 19, 2006 03:04 PM
Gwen,
Thank you for such a nice post, that actually brought tears to my eyes.
She is in the process now, of re-entering school (within the next few weeks)(!)
That will be the first time she has been in school (it's her Senior year she missed)in 17 months.
I wish you continued success in College!
Stephany
Posted by Stephany at September 20, 2006 02:54 PM
Hi Stephany!
I'm so, so, SO happpy for your daughter that she's starting school!!! That's AWESOME!!! That's really great, really warms my heart. I'm SO happy for her. I know when I got back to high school (it had been three years that I had been out) it was so nice to feel that my life was finally getting back on track. I'm sure your daughter feels the same way. I don't know if you're religous or not, but I've always felt that G-d really holds the hands of those suffering and will eventually get them back onto the right track. Anyway I'm SO happy for her and for you. You've both been through a lot and deserve the upmost happiness. Let me continue to know how she's doing. I'm really so happy.
Gwen
Posted by Gwen at September 20, 2006 07:17 PM
Thanks Gwen! I am excited for her also, and truly, truly, hope she can get her life back, to where she wants it to be.
She actually missed the last part of her Junior Year, along w the Senior year so it's been a while for school.
I feel she has had an army of Angels with her at all times.
I'm so grateful she is safe and well, it is often overwhelming.
Life goes on, and I hope the best for her.
Thank you for sending positive thoughts and wishes to her, you are a remarkable woman.
Stephany
Posted by Stephany at September 21, 2006 09:54 PM