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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by SLS on January 12, 2014, at 12:56:06
In reply to Re: Conversion Hysteria (or whatever they call it now) » Phillipa, posted by SLS on January 12, 2014, at 12:45:07
> > Scott was it Jay? xibow sp? He said OCD but sounded a bit like this. And Jono how did you know I'd been thinking of you? There is a thread on nardil that I thought you could answer. Phillipa
>
> Thanks, Phillipa. I think it was xibow.
Poster: yxibow
- Scott
Posted by alexandra_k on January 12, 2014, at 13:46:41
In reply to Re: Conversion Hysteria (or whatever they call it now), posted by jono_in_adelaide on January 12, 2014, at 4:26:24
maybe she needs someone to look after.
personally... i wouldn't mention it to them, no.
when neurology can't find an answer the standard thing for them to think is 'well then, it must be psychiatric'. i'd be fairly sure (i'd be almost certain) that it would have been suggested to them that it is psychiatric and that they would have been given psychiatric referral whether they chose to follow it up... or not...
to the best of my knowledge nobody went 'oh it is psychiatric' and was thereby cured. or even helped particularly much.
Posted by jono_in_adelaide on January 12, 2014, at 17:12:30
In reply to Re: Conversion Hysteria (or whatever they call it now), posted by alexandra_k on January 12, 2014, at 13:46:41
I guess my hope is/was that if he could be convinced that doesnt have an organic disease, and started to work hard with a psychiatrist, he might eventually get to the bottom of why he is like this, and begin t live the life ha has wasted for the past 2 decades - maybe thats a forlorn hope?
Posted by alexandra_k on January 12, 2014, at 19:23:58
In reply to Re: Conversion Hysteria (or whatever they call it now), posted by jono_in_adelaide on January 12, 2014, at 17:12:30
> I guess my hope is/was that if he could be convinced that doesnt have an organic disease, and started to work hard with a psychiatrist, he might eventually get to the bottom of why he is like this, and begin t live the life ha has wasted for the past 2 decades - maybe thats a forlorn hope?
I guess the first step is for one or the other (or probably both) of them to take that step to see a psychiatrist.
The thing is... I'd be fairly sure (almost certain) that this would have been something that a neurologist (at the very least) would have suggested and tried to encourage them to do.
Depending on how well you know them etc etc... You probably could introduce the idea subtly... Something about how it must be really distressing to be so unwell. How sometimes talking to a psychiatrist (or a psychologist or whatever) can help.
This isn't to suggest that the cause of the physical problem is psychiatric, you see, but rather to suggest that some suffering could be alleviated by talking to someone...
But then the issue becomes... Is this true? Sometimes psychiatrists / psychologists / whatever can indeed be helpful. But really, in my own personal experience, the significant majority are actually harmful. The opposite of helpful. So... Really... Without being able to reccommend a particular person who might actually be helpful for one or the other or both of them to talk to...
It is unclear to me how helpful the suggestion would be.
It seems to me.
fwiw.
Posted by jono_in_adelaide on January 12, 2014, at 21:13:55
In reply to Re: Conversion Hysteria (or whatever they call it now), posted by alexandra_k on January 12, 2014, at 19:23:58
Oh, yes, all of the 5 neuros have ended up suggesting he seeks psychatric treatment - thats generaly when he leaves, finds a new one, and starts another round of CT's, MRI's, nerve conduction studys, complete blood pictures etc
I was thinking that if i could introduct the idea of conversion hysteria, and that he and/or his wife could both read it, and se how closely it fits him, it might give them more reason to actualy see a psychiatrist and stick with him, and work hard at what he suggests.
I dont hold out much hope - I think he has spend so long in the role of an invalid, using this non existant illness as an excuse for his every failiure in life, that the pattern would be extremely hard to break.
I think a good start would be some tought love - sit him in a chair, with food and water on the other side of the room, alone, and instead of his wife pushing him to the table in a wheelchair, let him get hungry enough that he gets there under his own locomotion.
I should porbably just give up, but he's my oldest friend, and its damned hard to see him like this
Posted by Phillipa on January 12, 2014, at 21:41:35
In reply to Re: Conversion Hysteria (or whatever they call it now), posted by SLS on January 12, 2014, at 12:56:06
Scott I do hope he's doing well now. We used to write. Jay if you are lurking please reply. Phillipa
Posted by alexandra_k on January 13, 2014, at 4:12:01
In reply to Re: Conversion Hysteria (or whatever they call it now), posted by jono_in_adelaide on January 12, 2014, at 21:13:55
I don't know if a good talking to ever managed to cure a case of conversion hysteria any more than it ever managed to cure a case of depression...
It is possible that the issue lies more with her than with him, too.
I don't know... If I had a friend in this sort of a position I guess I'd just try and be a friend to them as best I can. Let them know I'm there if they want to talk or whatever. I don't know.
Posted by SLS on January 13, 2014, at 5:27:00
In reply to Conversion Hysteria (or whatever they call it now), posted by jono_in_adelaide on January 12, 2014, at 4:18:43
It is probably best to remove the word "hysteria"? It is too sexist. If one adheres to DSM IV nomenclature, "conversion disorder" is used to describe this. I understand that the DSM V has removed this diagnosis and those of the other somatoform disorders in favor of "Somatic Symptom Disorder" (SSD)
Hypochondriasis?
It is probably best to suggest that you are concerned that your friend might have a "somatoform disorder" of some sort. Conversion disorder is a type of somatoform disorder which presents as a loss of one or more senses (blindness, hearing loss, numbness, etc.), and even paralysis. I don't know much about the etiology of somatization except that it is very real to the sufferer. I wouldn't be surprised if it is found that the origin of the somatic sensations is actually a brain dysfunction that develops over time as a function of psychological or physical stress.
I agree with Alexandra_K's suggestion that someone with a somatoform disorder be given unconditional emotional support. Sometimes, the most that can be done is to have a professional help the patient to acknowledge and manage symptoms.
- Scott
Posted by alexandra_k on January 13, 2014, at 14:00:51
In reply to Re: Conversion Hysteria (or whatever they call it now) » jono_in_adelaide, posted by SLS on January 13, 2014, at 5:27:00
sometimes religion works. miracle cures and all that.
Posted by HomelyCygnet on January 13, 2014, at 14:10:21
In reply to Re: Conversion Hysteria (or whatever they call it now), posted by jono_in_adelaide on January 12, 2014, at 21:13:55
Sounds like SLS. Do you think if they took away his "disability" and subsidised apt he would get off his butt and get a job?
Actually it sounds like Alex too. Would tough love work for her?
I suppose it's partly society's fault but it's sad to see these two settle for a life as parasite.
>
> I dont hold out much hope - I think he has spend so long in the role of an invalid, using this non existant illness as an excuse for his every failiure in life, that the pattern would be extremely hard to break.
>
> I think a good start would be some tought love - sit him in a chair, with food and water on the other side of the room, alone, and instead of his wife pushing him to the table in a wheelchair, let him get hungry enough that he gets there under his own locomotion.
>
> I should porbably just give up, but he's my oldest friend, and its damned hard to see him like this
Posted by SLS on January 13, 2014, at 15:10:40
In reply to Re: Conversion Hysteria (or whatever they call it now), posted by HomelyCygnet on January 13, 2014, at 14:10:21
> Sounds like SLS. Do you think if they took away his "disability" and subsidised apt he would get off his butt and get a job?
> Actually it sounds like Alex too. Would tough love work for her?
> I suppose it's partly society's fault but it's sad to see these two settle for a life as parasite.
I'm sorry, HomelyCygnet. I don't know how do react to these comments in words, as I am conflicted. You are becoming a very pitiable character. Your words betray your increasing mental instability. Some would call it a meltdown. Others would call it decompensation. I don't know what to call it. How do you refer to your sickness? It would help people to understand the pathology that impels you to say such things.
You really do need to be here... And you are! Yay! :-)
How can the Psycho-Babble community help you to feel better about yourself?
- Scott
Posted by HomelyCygnet on January 13, 2014, at 15:15:24
In reply to Re: Conversion Hysteria (or whatever they call it now) » HomelyCygnet, posted by SLS on January 13, 2014, at 15:10:40
Your new personality is funnier that the last one. It's sad that you see all the pain and passion in the world as illness. I don't like you but I pity you.
Posted by SLS on January 13, 2014, at 15:41:24
In reply to LOL Scottie I predicted that response! » SLS, posted by HomelyCygnet on January 13, 2014, at 15:15:24
Posted by SLS on January 13, 2014, at 16:04:44
In reply to Re: Conversion Hysteria (or whatever they call it now) » HomelyCygnet, posted by SLS on January 13, 2014, at 15:10:40
> > Sounds like SLS.
"You are becoming a very pitiable character."
This is an uncivil statement, and I apologize for writing it.
And I'm not just saying that.
- Scott
Posted by jono_in_adelaide on January 13, 2014, at 16:51:22
In reply to Re: Conversion Hysteria (or whatever they call it now), posted by SLS on January 13, 2014, at 16:04:44
Thanks for the input guys!
Posted by Phillipa on January 13, 2014, at 21:18:31
In reply to Re: Conversion Hysteria (or whatever they call it now), posted by jono_in_adelaide on January 13, 2014, at 16:51:22
Jono is it possible that my loss of taste & smell could be conversion disorder too? Phillipa
Posted by HomelyCygnet on January 14, 2014, at 10:22:09
In reply to Re: Conversion Hysteria (or whatever they call it now) » jono_in_adelaide, posted by Phillipa on January 13, 2014, at 21:18:31
> Jono is it possible that my loss of taste & smell could be conversion disorder too? Phillipa
Have you ever tried hypnosis for your loss of taste and smell? They used that for conversion disorders back in the 19th century. I'd say the odds were against it tho.
Posted by jono_in_adelaide on January 15, 2014, at 0:21:35
In reply to Re: Conversion Hysteria (or whatever they call it now) » Phillipa, posted by HomelyCygnet on January 14, 2014, at 10:22:09
Phillipa, I dont think so, you seem to have way too much insignt into your illness for it to be that
Have you ever tried a course of zinc supplements (Twinlab make a good zinc picolinate supplement that sells for less than $10 for 100 on Vitacost)
I know its a long shot, but it might be worth a try
Posted by Phillipa on January 15, 2014, at 21:11:03
In reply to Re: Conversion Hysteria (or whatever they call it now), posted by jono_in_adelaide on January 15, 2014, at 0:21:35
Jono that is what my dentist said. Evidently now there are a form of Dentists that can also deal with this which is new. Dentist said l00mg twice a day? Would you? Phillipa
Posted by alexandra_k on January 16, 2014, at 13:10:14
In reply to Re: Conversion Hysteria (or whatever they call it now), posted by HomelyCygnet on January 13, 2014, at 14:10:21
a phrase comes to mind... 'with friends like these - who needs enemies'. this is what i find myself thinking a lot, when i read your posts. i think it is a bit of a shame because i find you to be articulate and funny... but when i open your posts i never know whether i'm going to find the articulate witty humor or whether i'm going to find something that - when i'm feeling a little bit fragile - leaves me feeling worse.
here is something that is in my power to choose: i'm not going to read your posts for one week.
> Sounds like SLS. Do you think if they took away his "disability" and subsidised apt he would get off his butt and get a job?
>
> Actually it sounds like Alex too. Would tough love work for her?
>
> I suppose it's partly society's fault but it's sad to see these two settle for a life as parasite.
>
>
>
> >
> > I dont hold out much hope - I think he has spend so long in the role of an invalid, using this non existant illness as an excuse for his every failiure in life, that the pattern would be extremely hard to break.
> >
> > I think a good start would be some tought love - sit him in a chair, with food and water on the other side of the room, alone, and instead of his wife pushing him to the table in a wheelchair, let him get hungry enough that he gets there under his own locomotion.
> >
> > I should porbably just give up, but he's my oldest friend, and its damned hard to see him like this
>
>
Posted by jono_in_adelaide on January 16, 2014, at 21:04:08
In reply to Re: with friends like these... » HomelyCygnet, posted by alexandra_k on January 16, 2014, at 13:10:14
Funnily enough, there was quite a long report about conversion disorder on abc radio (our version of npr) yesterday - very interesting
I'll wait and see how my friend does with his latest neuro - if it turns out to be another dead end, I'll throw caution to the wind and suggest he sees a psychiatrist and discusses conversion with them
Posted by Dr. Bob on January 16, 2014, at 23:45:32
In reply to LOL Scottie I predicted that response! » SLS, posted by HomelyCygnet on January 13, 2014, at 15:15:24
> Scottie
Please be sensitive to the feelings of others even if yours are hurt.
More information about posting policies is in the FAQ:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#enforceFollow-ups regarding these issues should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration.
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by Dr. Bob on January 16, 2014, at 23:45:57
In reply to Re: Conversion Hysteria (or whatever they call it now), posted by SLS on January 13, 2014, at 16:04:44
Posted by HomelyCygnet on January 17, 2014, at 8:08:41
In reply to Re: please be sensitive » HomelyCygnet, posted by Dr. Bob on January 16, 2014, at 23:45:32
Posted by phidippus on January 18, 2014, at 2:30:41
In reply to Conversion Hysteria (or whatever they call it now), posted by jono_in_adelaide on January 12, 2014, at 4:18:43
Somatization disorder (also Briquet's syndrome or hysteria) is a somatoform disorder characterized by recurring, multiple, and current, clinically significant complaints about somatic symptoms. Symptoms often include reports of pain, gastrointestinal distress, sexual problems, and pseudoneurological symptoms such as amnesia or breathing difficulties. Somatization disorder can also occur during the course of, or be associated with, a medical condition. Patients with somatization disorder also show high levels of worry, anxiety, and increased reactions in response to physical symptoms.[1] Individuals with somatization disorder typically visit many doctors in pursuit of effective treatment. Somatization disorder also causes challenge and burden on the life of the caregivers or significant others of the patient. - wikipedia
I have suffered from this. In 2006 I spent a lot of time in the ER due to phantom symptoms. In 2007 I became convinced I had epilepsy and even had a psychogenic seizure. I also saw many doctors about my supposed epilepsy and had many tests done. Then one day I just snapped out of it.
Eric
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