Diagnosis: Alec

[rachelmanija]

This is purely for study purposes (mine) and entertainment (yours and mine). I am using fictional characters in novels as mock case studies, to acquaint myself with the DSM-IV (the American manual of mental illnesses.) I cannot actually diagnose any real person.

Swordspoint

Comments

[_profiterole_]

I don't know anything about psychology, but since I've read Swordspoint, I thought I'd read your analysis of Alec and it was very interesting.

[rymenhild]

Hilarious, in a really sad kind of way. Alec is such a mess. I can't imagine he'd do well with involuntary hospitalization... actually, thinking about involuntary hospitalization, I feel sorry for the poor doctors, staff and patients who'd have to share a ward with him. Thanks for this!

On a different subject, can I ask why personality disorders and mental retardation are on the same axis?

[rachelmanija]

On a different subject, can I ask why personality disorders and mental retardation are on the same axis?

It makes no sense, honestly, but the theory is that they're more lifelong and less easily subject to change than the Axis I disorders. Which makes no sense as Axis I disorders include lifelong neurological conditions like autism and dyslexia. (Why those are even in the DSM is something that also doesn't make a ton of sense.)

The other explanation is that both are more subtle and it ensures that they won't get overlooked - which also makes no sense. You can put ten Axis I disorders on Axis I and not worry that one will be forgotten.

[sovay]

Bipolar I qualifies on all counts, so I went with it even though I wasn’t positive about it.

Just so you know, you're awesome.

[rikibeth]

You do realize that if you try for the 5150, Alec will BOLT, right?

[mme_hardy]

Richard will kill her if she tries anything.

[rachelmanija]

I see everyone involved being very, very sorry that Alec ever walked in the door in the first place.

[rachelmanija]

That's why it's involuntary. ;)

[patty1943]

"Rule out PTSD. Client's PTSD-like symptoms predate his kidnapping."

So maybe he has had previous traumatic events that you don't know about. Ruling it out seems oddly avoidant.

[rachelmanija]

Perhaps it will get diagnosed on the follow-up, when he's more forthcoming. "Rule out" is just why I didn't diagnose it now, not literally "it cannot be the case."

[patty1943]

I am glad to hear that. I believe that the DSM-IV description of Traumatic Stressors is an avoidant numbing ritual, a series of latinate words punctuated by or's, designed to help people avoid thinking about what trauma really is.
I lived through DSM-II, the latest of the APA's denial and delusion about traumatic events eras (1968-1980), with a husband who came back from Vietnam with PTSD, so I probably sound crabby sometimes. If I did, I apologize.

[rachelmanija]

No problem! I'm working with the DSM-IV definitions because I need to know it professionally. But it has a lot of problems.

I don't know if you've seen these: http://rachelmanija.livejournal.com/541123.html