tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33615081.post116265641659535812..comments2022-12-21T12:03:20.392+00:00Comments on The Wife of a Schizophrenic: BlipMr Mans Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02794499533315461733noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33615081.post-9608028280745427112006-11-16T21:56:00.000+00:002006-11-16T21:56:00.000+00:00Thank you Oldschoolbaby, I’m sure your motives are...Thank you Oldschoolbaby, I’m sure your motives are good ones.<br /><br />Please don’t be offended by what I am about to say, as I’m sure you are simply trying to be complimentary, but you have mentioned this “hugely important and effective role” that I play quite a few times now, as if you think I somehow doubt the importance of my role as a carer. Let me reassure you that I am completely convinced that if Mr Mans care was left entirely to the medical profession he would be dead by now, so I am in no doubt as to the importance of my role in that regard. Not just in making sure he received the appropriate care, but also in my personal role as a carer at home. Obviously I don’t want to “blow my own trumpet” but I know that the love and patience I have shown has proved vital to his recovery, but balanced with that, I also know that I could have done much better. Unfortunately I am only human, and a very imperfect one at that.<br /><br />You also repeatedly mention trying other interventions, as if you think we solely rely on medication for improvement of his symptoms. Let me assure you that this is not the case, although I do feel that in Mr Mans case at least, medication plays a vital role. In the past Mr Man has been so psychotic as to be unable to take advantage of some of the other interventions you have mentioned previously. I have not yet detailed the other forms of therapy that we find useful (don’t rush me!)<br /><br />So I’ll make a deal with you: I’ll try to use more baskets for my eggs as long as you try not to hatch them all at once!Mr Mans Wifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02794499533315461733noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33615081.post-20660948784435535982006-11-16T18:23:00.000+00:002006-11-16T18:23:00.000+00:00Believe me, mr mans wife, I am trying to help. As...Believe me, mr mans wife, I am trying to help. As long as you`re not placing your eggs in too limited a number of baskets, growing in confidence with regard to trying different interventions and reassured as to the hugely important and effective role that you play. Then that should be progress. <br /><br />OSBAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33615081.post-14630333460502436362006-11-15T17:09:00.000+00:002006-11-15T17:09:00.000+00:00"I don`t know what the truth is. As I keep telling..."I don`t know what the truth is. As I keep telling you though, if you want to make a bit of sense out of it, you have to look to the historical perspective."<br /><br />Oldschoolbaby, you've read the book, and psychiatry is your profession. If you still don't know what the truth is what hope do I have?<br /><br />I agree with your comments though, and I would probably settle somewhere in the middle. From the excerpt I read of that book I learnt that years ago <i>everything</i> was diagnosed as Schizophrenia, and considering in those days people were admitted simply for being "different" it's clear to see that psychiatry has come a long way. After the kind of staff I have seen at hospitals though, I don't doubt that some psychiatrists think up diagnoses for their own gain.Mr Mans Wifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02794499533315461733noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33615081.post-16931394712789134902006-11-15T16:53:00.000+00:002006-11-15T16:53:00.000+00:00Nothing is simple in psychiatry, mr mans wife.
Ps...Nothing is simple in psychiatry, mr mans wife.<br /><br />Psychiatry has a "Bible", an American publication known as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM). The first DSM, published in 1952 ran to 134 pages. It has been revised a number of times subsequently and the 2000 edition runs to 943 pages.<br /><br />Optimists will say that psychiatry is developing impressively, that we are understanding more and that our diagnostic tools are so much more advanced. On the other hand cynics will say egotistical psychiatrists and psycholigists are manufacturing trendy diagnoses to make themselves look cutting edge. They`re enthusiastically supported by the pharmaceutical companies. More diagnoses = more treatment = more prescribing = more profit.<br /><br />Personally, I lean more towards the cynic`s position. I don`t know what the truth is. As I keep telling you though, if you want to make a bit of sense out of it, you have to look to the historical perspective. <br /><br />OldschoolbabyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33615081.post-29268274070260940432006-11-15T14:20:00.000+00:002006-11-15T14:20:00.000+00:00Thank you for that explanation Michel. It sounds ...Thank you for that explanation Michel. It sounds like a combination of Schizophrenia and Bipolar, would you agree? Psychiatry certainly is complicated.Mr Mans Wifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02794499533315461733noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33615081.post-89999748956125750002006-11-15T00:11:00.000+00:002006-11-15T00:11:00.000+00:00Hi Rhea, thank you for the anniversary wishes and ...Hi Rhea, thank you for the anniversary wishes and well wishes for Mr Man. I really should post an update on Mr Mans mood, or just an update in general as it’s been ages since I last posted, but I keep getting distracted! (with my other blog, recording for my creative outlet, and helping Mr Man with numerous projects as well)<br /><br />I hope your move goes well. Thanks for your comment.Mr Mans Wifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02794499533315461733noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33615081.post-10066067590563980512006-11-14T23:23:00.000+00:002006-11-14T23:23:00.000+00:00Hello
Haven't stopped by in a while (in the proce...Hello<br /><br />Haven't stopped by in a while (in the process of buying house/packing stuff/stressing)<br /><br />Belated Anniversary wishes and I hope Mr Man's mood stabilises soon.Rheahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00318184253043139248noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33615081.post-167169720055278312006-11-14T00:56:00.000+00:002006-11-14T00:56:00.000+00:00Hi there Anonymous, thank you for posting.
Yes,...Hi there Anonymous, thank you for posting. <br /><br />Yes, I have heard of Schizo-affective disorder but unfortunately I don't know anything about it. I'd be interested to know in what ways it differs from Schizophrenia though.<br /><br />Thanks for reading, I'm glad you find it interesting.Mr Mans Wifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02794499533315461733noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33615081.post-68162645147258536752006-11-14T00:23:00.000+00:002006-11-14T00:23:00.000+00:00I love your b-log and an facinated about mr.man an...I love your b-log and an facinated about mr.man and u.....I am affected my a similar disorder of the brain called schizo-affective disorder....i don't know if u have heard about it but if u have kewl......Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33615081.post-1143030866704528092006-11-06T23:56:00.000+00:002006-11-06T23:56:00.000+00:00"Sorry, for the fragmentation, my fault probably. ..."Sorry, for the fragmentation, my fault probably. I have points I would like to make but I want to keep them for future posts." That explains a lot! At times I have been unsure whether to take offense or not, feeling that you were being deliberately evasive with some of your comments! (and of course bad past experiences were adding to my paranoia!)<br /><br />Thank you for your comments Oldschoolbaby, I find your honesty refreshing re: professionals not wanting to admit their limitations.<br /><br />I'm doing my best to "pick and mix" and thankfully we have a brilliant Psychiatrist now who is of the opinion that "it's a mistake not to listen to the carer" so we have even been able to refuse certain treatments that we thought wouldn't be beneficial without being criticised for that decision. I never thought I'd hear myself say that.Mr Mans Wifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02794499533315461733noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33615081.post-3311215218808069142006-11-06T20:49:00.000+00:002006-11-06T20:49:00.000+00:00Sorry, for the fragmentation, my fault probably. I...Sorry, for the fragmentation, my fault probably. I have points I would like to make but I want to keep them for future posts.<br /><br />I am just trying to be honest. Mental health professionals are not a panacea and it is important that we admit that. Psychiatrists and Psychologists don`t like to admit it as they worry that they may be replaced by cheaper options. Nurses don`t like to admit it as everyone likes to believe they are effective at their job. Your task is to explore what we have to offer, take what`s beneficial and mix and match it with what you have found to work yourself.<br /><br />Just take nurses as you find them. There are some I wouldn`t allow to dog-sit but there are others who astound me with their compassion.<br /><br />RMO = Responsible Medical Officer = Consultant. When your typing is as woeful as mine you need every abbreviation you can get your hands on.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33615081.post-80834249820143276302006-11-06T20:27:00.000+00:002006-11-06T20:27:00.000+00:00"Our conversation is becoming a little fragmented"..."Our conversation is becoming a little fragmented" yes it is, but it's an interesting one!<br /><br />Thank you very much for your comments and advice, it is greatly appreciated, although I still find myself feeling wary and defensive knowing that you're a psychiatric nurse, but I'm fighting those feelings. <br /><br />"the bigger the armoury the better" I would definitely agree with this. Hobbies are a <i>huge</i> part of Mr Mans recovery, but it's taken him a long time to be well enough to engage in them. I think there is a wrong and a right time for "other types of intervention". Used at the wrong time would be of no help, or even make matters worse. Used at the right time it is amazing to see the benefits.<br /><br />What's RMO?<br />Thanks again for your comments.Mr Mans Wifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02794499533315461733noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33615081.post-58960583155417693112006-11-06T19:46:00.000+00:002006-11-06T19:46:00.000+00:00Our conversation is becoming a little fragmented b...Our conversation is becoming a little fragmented but never mind.<br /><br /> This is a topic that has great potential to be dry and tiresome but it`s a very readable book. You will learn where the term schizophrenia originates from. What role a dopamine imbalance has in psychosis and how anti - psychotics were and are developed. And much much more. Hopefully, this will empower you to a greater degree when you and Mr Man discuss a medication regime with his RMO.<br /><br />It will also give you much greater insight into the mental health world and it`s limitations. That will indirectly give you more self belief in the care you provide and hopefully give you more confidence to explore other types of intervention. Family, friends, work, hobbies, self help groups, community activity, even faith. I don`t know what combination will help your husband but the bigger the armoury the better.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33615081.post-37779257692487073632006-11-06T18:07:00.000+00:002006-11-06T18:07:00.000+00:00Thank you. I actually found it on Amazon UK after...Thank you. I actually found it on Amazon UK after some searching, I thought I was going to have to get it shipped from the US!<br /><br />I've been reading an online excerpt and it looks interesting but I might need a medical dictionary to understand it!<br /><br />I know you said that you recommend this to everyone, but is there a particular reason why you think I should read it?Mr Mans Wifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02794499533315461733noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33615081.post-20843468101472289552006-11-06T17:50:00.000+00:002006-11-06T17:50:00.000+00:00I don`t think it`s sold in huge numbers which is a...I don`t think it`s sold in huge numbers which is a crying shame. There seems to be a lot of generic history`s of psychiatry but much fewer specific ones. To be honest, it`s probably because they wouldn`t show the mental health world in a very good light. Too much chasing of fashionable ideas with too many reasonable interventions left behind in the stampede.<br /><br />Anyway, it`s out in paperback at around £13. Not sure if you can get it through the library service. If you`re flush use your local bookstore. If you`re in a hurry you can`t fault Amazon, they may have a second hand copy.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33615081.post-17036681988068171652006-11-06T16:31:00.000+00:002006-11-06T16:31:00.000+00:00Thanks Oldschoolbaby, I will definitely have a loo...Thanks Oldschoolbaby, I will definitely have a look at that. Any suggestions as to where I could find a copy?Mr Mans Wifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02794499533315461733noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33615081.post-80201957148699180462006-11-06T16:07:00.000+00:002006-11-06T16:07:00.000+00:00Found you today, what a marvellous blog.
I reco...Found you today, what a marvellous blog. <br /><br />I recommend this to everyone but you should read David Healy`s " The Creation of Psychopharmacology". It`s the first definitive history. It begs a lot of questions about the medical model which in turn raises questions as to why psychotherapeutic interventions aren`t dominating. <br /><br />In some ways it won`t fill you with much confidence but it will leave you in no doubt as to the huge impact your love and care has on your husband. Professionals, as you`ve already realised, don`t have all the answers.<br /><br />OldschoolbabyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com