http://drgrumpyinthehouse.blogspot.com/2014/11/happy-pills.html
Why do psychiatric disorders get “blacklisted” as a human condition? Insurance companies don’t want to pay for them. Employers don’t want to give time off for them. Relatives often don’t believe in them (“Oh, she just needs to get over it. She’s fine.”).
The lady who has a heart attack and requires coronary artery bypass surgery gets time off from work, medications and doctors covered by her insurance, and cardiac rehab to help her recover. But the guy who has severe, nearly suicidal, depression? He may get a few days off work by calling in sick (“I have a cold.”) He likely won’t find help from a psychiatrist because his insurance doesn’t cover them, and if he can’t afford to pay cash he’s SOL. If his boss learns what’s really wrong with him he’ll probably get fired.
His internist will try to help with some Cymbalta or Wellbutrin, but doesn’t have the knowledge on what to do if those fail. Nor does she have the time to spend with him at his appointments because, as a primary doc, she’s got a packed schedule.
So let’s go back to your doctor being on Lexapro (or whatever) for their mental health. Does this bother you? Why? If your doctor was a diabetic wouldn’t you hope they’re taking their insulin like they’re supposed to? Or blood pressure medication? A doctor who takes care of their own health issues is (hopefully) going to be around longer and capable of practicing better than one with out-of-control blood sugars or hypertension.
Yet, many people who learn their doctor was being treated for a psychiatric condition would probably run like hell from them. Why? If, like treating any other condition, it makes them better able to function, what’s the problem? Wouldn’t you want that?
Filed under: General Problems
There was pharmacist with bipolar who had a psych relapse and got a DUI, board wanted him in the recovery program but that meant he had to get off his benzos that were part of his treatment since it was complete total abstinence. Didnt seem to matter what his psychiatrist stated. Serveral issues and they revoked his license because he couldnt ‘play by their rules’ I’m sure he relapsed manic and the alcohol was short term self medicating. Apparently no other complaints until then.
Yes, I would be fine with a psychiatrist who is actively treating their condition over a “young” inexperienced psychiatrist who has not had enough plain old “life” experience. I think a doctor who is actively seeking treatment with ‘” their condition” may even be more compassionate in their treatment of their patients. I have heard before that psychiatrists tend to get into psychiatry because of their own personal questions regarding their own psychological questions about themselves anyway. There are obviously some limits as to what i would be able to accept. i couldn’t accept criminal conditions such as rape or murder but medical conditions like depression I would probably be able to accept. After seeing some very real bipolar disorders in an old friend that was very sick, I may have a problem. I suppose everything is relative. I don’t know how capable my very intelligent and extremely bipolar friend would be able to “treat” a patient when they are in a particularly manic state. That state was pretty severe and limiting as far as i could actually see. So, if on the proper treatment with some period of success and healing behind them it might make a difference as far as their perceived ability to treat others is concerned. This is a very interesting topic. I do know that I do not trust a very young and green doctor of any type any more. They simply do not have enough life experience “under their belt” for me to respect their opinion any more.