"Diagnosis based on observation of external symptoms"

I'm reading a book about Henry VI and his non compos mentis period, or basically, when he went "mad."

What's interesting is that the so-called treatments for mental illness included everything from bleeding, waters, concoctions, baths, syrups, herbs,...to removal of hemorrhoids. (Uh huh....there's a connection, I'm sure).

It dawns on me (in my enlightened state?) that in some ways we haven't come too far. Not if there are still people who are being shut up or locked up,...and that can even be emotional blackmail, ignoring them, pretending they don't exist,....just plain not dealing....

To have come so far, while simultaneously remained so ignorant just staggers the mind.









M.


EDIT: It's a reminder as well that we truly *are* dx'd based on how we present. The docs can only go with what they're given, but also we need to realize they, too, are human, and it's their interpretation of our presentation. It's all part of our unique cycle maybe?

Historically, the evidence for bleeding is quite sound. Blood loss makes people calmer, less inclined to move rapidly. Ditto, baths in warm water promote lethargy, and baths in salty/sulfuric water are quite effective. Add in aromatherapy, a big deal in the middle ages, and there are actually quite a few of the old-fashioned remedies that work.

What always got me was the presentation and tasting of the patient's urine. Yack. But, in the defense of medieval quacks, the color, scent, and even taste of urine can tell a, ahem, distinguished palate much about the patient's health.

Also, significant and/or sudden mental health problems/schizophrenia was considered in many cultures as evidence of a demon, one of the devil's minions. However, a 'touched' individual could also be interpreted as one of God's chosen. What mattered was the presentation of the behavior of the afflicted, as well as the timing of the symptoms.

Man, let's leave out leprosy.

Im new to this whole anxiety thing, but what ive seen personally so far, is docs are still out for docs. My own doc is very nice, good man, and very knowledgeable, for a GP. When it came to my GERD symptoms, he seemed to wanted to follow the book, even though what I was telling him contradicted his knowledge. Only once I actually took in printed material from other well known and respected docs who think outside the box did he listen, and I started to feel better. And, im still not so sure id be better off on Xanax than Klonopin. But the Xanax works great, so maybe my worries about the short action time is for not.

Therapists on the other hand....well, I think theyre all quacks. No offense to anyone who thinks otherwise. But ive had a few co workers, who ive dealt with on insurance issues, that are in worse shape than when they first started seeing their therapists. Whether you agree or not, the real world is tough. It is stressful and we must deal with it, in whatever ways we can. These folks I have had personal experience with are coddled in the office and expected to make it with their new found "skills" on the outside. I have one woman I felt so terrible for that I had quite a few talks with her, straight talk no BS, and after a few weeks she went from using FMLA to the max each year to being a productive worker again. The world isnt a bed of fancy roses, theres quite a few thorns along the way. Again, purely my opinion, not having dealt with therapists personally, but indirectly, therapists paint a pretty picture that just isnt so. Whether thats the standard, or these folks have just dealt with "professionals" who are keeping them in the system for monetary reasons im not sure. But im not impressed in the least, and it would take a lot for me, if it came to that, to go to one.

I've been taking Epsom salt baths with a few drops of lavender and it is wonderful. I hadn't taken a bath in YEARS. I stunk!!

Now I'm taking baths 2-3 x's a week and it's so therapeutic.

Trader- re: therapy- I've seen a handful of therapists over the years (a "handful" bc either I moved or they did), & not one has ever painted a rosy picture or coddled me. Frankly, there were times I wanted coddled but it never happened.

I used to think like you until I actually went myself and I changed my mind quickly. I am so thankful for therapists. If not for therapy, I'd still have a lot of trash buried that needed to be taken out!

Many homeless people, not all, but many that are literally on the streets, do often have untreated mental illness &/or learning disabilities/low IQ, PTSD, you name it. Drug & alcohol use is very common, often bc they're self medicating their untreated illnesses/numbing themselves from emotional/mental suffering.

That's sweet of you to have attempted to help him. Your prayers were prob the most helpful for him.

Lisa

My whole world of possible treatment changed after I met my deductible for my health insurance. I have never been in this position before. I usually balk at any suggestions by my doctor because of the cost. i am sure that so many people are in this position. We could all be much healthier if we didn't have this huge cost weight over our heads. other countries have figured this out. I found a primary when I needed a doctor. Her practice gives each patient 15 minutes for $150. My alternate medicine folks, Naturopath, Acupuncturist, therapist give me an hour for much less money.

In addition, my primary acted offended when I said I wanted to get a second opinion about my treatment. i went to a psychiatric nurse for my psych meds instead of the general nurse practitioner. When I get over this hurdle i am going doctor shopping again for a new primary. My visits to her are now free but i still don't want to go see her. She is not the least bit nurturing. No warm and fuzzy bedside manner.