The Doctor Is In . . .

[tracy_d74]

I did this a few months ago and I’m doing it again . . .

Ninety percent of the time when I see a show or read a book that has a psychologist, I cringe. Why? Two reasons: 1) psychologists are portrayed incorrectly; 2) mental illness is portrayed incorrectly. It drives me bonkers. Then I started thinking, maybe some of you writers out there need

Comments

[bogwitch64]

Glad to see this up and running again!

[tracy_d74]

Thanks!

[tracyworld]

You mean I can't get free counseling here?! :)

Seriously, I think this is a cool idea.

[tracy_d74]

Thank you! I will try and remember to post it every other month just to feel the waters. You never know. :)

[glynisj]

I have one for you. It won't really do me any good to know other than I'll know if a medical professional is lying.

So many people are being told that they have Bipolar Disorder but they don't have a manic. If they don't have the manic, how can it be Bipolar Disorder? Sounds to me that these people have what I have, GAD.

[tracy_d74]

Bipolar is one of those disorders that is misunderstood and therefore, misdiagnosed. People often think it is just moodswings or a moody person. WRONG!!! There is a cycle to it. Often times the person with the disorder does not see the cycle, they only know sometimes they are on top of the world, have a lot of energy and have great ideas. Other times they struggle to pull thoughts together and get dressed. For this reason, a family member or friend is often needed to provide a description of behaviors to the physician. Many psychiatrist have to make a quick diagnosis for insurance purposes so they can get reimbursed, SO they do not do a good job at ruling out other disorders or obtaining a good history

[glynisj]

I think I told you that I've taken some psychology classes in college. In addition, I have known people who are really bipolar with the manic side and the depressed side. Unfortunately, I also know people who say that they have this disorder but don't have the manic side. I figure either they are lying or their medical professional doesn't know what s/he is talking about.

So your head is scary? We'll see about that. ;D

[tracy_d74]

yep, you told.

my first supervisor for therapy said: you have four truths occurring in the therapy room: 1) the client is lying and you know they are lying; 2) the client is lying and you don't know they are lying; 3) the client is telling the truth, but you think they are lying; 4) the client is telling the truth and you know they are telling the truth. The therapist's job is to uncover which truth is happening. Fun Times! Fun Times!

[jongibbs]

'mental illness is portrayed incorrectly. It drives me bonkers'

Lol, good one :)

[tracy_d74]

Thanks! I try. :)