Posted by JahL on July 29, 2001, at 15:15:06
In reply to Re: TREATMENT RESISTANT DEPRESSION » JahL, posted by sweetmarie on July 29, 2001, at 9:06:05
> I think that many (most) psychiatrists (and GPs for that matter) from this country are either limited in knowledge, limited in imagination, obstructive regarding patient input, or just plain useless. Or all of the above.All of the above. I don't have a lot of time or respect for the medical establishment.
> Far too many sufferers are told that they are untreatable, precisely for the above reasons. What I want to do is to (hopefully) empower other depression sufferers NOT to accept this `diagnosis`.
More power to you. Someone needs to increase awareness.
>I`m lucky to have a psychiatrist who encourages my input, and also because I`m being treated by a specialist in TR depression (Professor Ferrier from the RVI, Newcastle). HE tells me that he will never run out of treatment options.
Sounds like you've struck gold. I saw a Prof. @ the Maudsley. The arrogant, ignorant p**** was lucky I didn't knock him spark out when he told me to "stop smoking pot & get a job". His solution to a life-long (BP) depression. Fortunately (for him) I saw sense & just walked out.
> A non-response to TCAs, MAOIs, and SSRIs ought not to render a sufferer `treatment resistant`, as it has done in your case. To me, it smacks of laziness on the part of the psychiatrist.My sentiments entirely.
> I`m assuming that APs are anti-psychotics, but what are AEDs? Also, what are opoids?AEDs= Anti-Epileptic Drugs (mood stabilizers); Valproate & Lamotrigine for me.
Opioids= class of drugs comprising opiates & various synthetic derivatives. Or something like that. Elizabeth's yr expert on that one. Something I'm looking into.
> This country in general (i.e. your basic `man in the street`) is largely misinformed, and therefore tends to be wary/downright prejudiced when it comes to mental health issues.I think Brits are ignorant in most matters medical, but especially with rgds to mental health. Healthcare is a passive experience in the UK; we're given it on a plate. Our US counterparts seem much more informed on health matters & are more pro-active in seeking treatment. Probably has to do with aggressive drug company advertising & *choice*.
>Also, the NHS services (treatments, psychiatrists, after care etc.) leave much to be desired.
Our healthcare system, as it is at present positively encourages doctor laziness & complacency. Disgruntled patients don't have the option of going elsewhere & treatment expectations are deliberately lowered so that desperately under-funded hospitals can meet spurious govt. 'performance targets'. (Let's not forget also that mental illness can be costly to treat since treatment is often intensive & protracted. 'Better' to direct resources towards minor ops, giving multiple, *visible* results)
Kind of depressing in itself, huh?
Good luck in yr quest to enlighten (you'll need it!).
J.
poster:JahL
thread:72327
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010725/msgs/72391.html