[ ARC forum 2 ]
Written by Paul B. at 04 Mar 2002 11:28:35: Re: Problems indeed
As an answer to: Re: Problems indeed written by SG at 03 Mar 2002 18:31:29:
> Without any kind of personal knowledge of this guy, that is an outrageous statement.
And without any relevant expertise, for you, it would indeed be an outrageous statement.
It is however, interesting to consider why you consider the suggestion of psychiatric assessment repugnant.
Presumably, like many others, perhaps most people, you have a "One flew over the Cuckoo's Nest" understanding of psychiatry - it is all about keeping the "nutters" who are readily recognisable, heavily sedated in closed wards in big, largely empty institutions.
Well, they do exist and I've been there as part of my training, though very briefly to be sure (and it was a long time ago)! And yes, that's part of modern psychiatry, but only a small part as indeed, psychiatrists are only a small part. Which is exactly why I used the term "assessment" - people are referred to psychiatrists often for detailed assessment to direct a therapy program, whilst (perhaps America is more affluent and people actually do sit for therapy with psychiatrists) the program is implemented by other therapists and family doctors.
The point is - suggesting psychiatric assessment is not an insult - any more than if someone complained of the classical symptoms of diabetes - peeing too much, forever thirsty and drinking too much (water) with a tendency to infections - it would be "insulting" to direct them to see a doctor for a full medical history including blood pressure, and the appropriate blood tests (which I shall spare you from listing).
So it is in this case. The symptoms are as given, I have merely "cut to the chase" and recommended what is most appropriate.