Power to the patients Newscientist.com

[Ivan Seeking]

Now he thinks diagnostic labels have no more predictive power than star signs and that plenty of people can live happily with severe psychotic symptoms

http://www.newscientist.com/opinion/opinterview.jsp;jsessionid=LGBDCGDLPIAE?id=ns24101

 

[zoobyshoe]

This is an excellent article. I
hope Zantra sees this.

The trouble with the psychiatric
labels has always been that none
is based on any objectively ob-
served brain pathology. The term
"schizophrenia" is a grab bag. It
is variously attrbuted to enlarged
ventricles in the brain, viral
brain infections, food sensitivi-
ties, genetic disorders, etc.

Paranoid delusions, likewise, are
found in schizophrenia, bipolar
disorder, paranoid personality
disorder, borderline personality
disorder, and major depression with psychotic features. No one
has determined the exact cause
of this brain malfunction and
worked on a cure or treatment.

His emphasis on enviromental
contributions is right on. What
might continue indefinitely as
a mild case can easily be turned
into a severe case in a stressfull
environment.

His experience with "a taste of
his own medicine" was great. I
think all Doctors benefit greatly
from periods when they are forced
to be patients.

Zoobyshoe

 

[ravenprp]

The idea of giving more power to patients in their own healthcare decisions is a timely and important one. As the article suggests, diagnostic labels are not always accurate or helpful in predicting a patient's outcome. This is especially true in the case of severe psychotic symptoms, where individuals have been known to live fulfilling and happy lives despite their diagnosis.

By giving patients more control over their own healthcare, we can move away from the idea that a diagnosis is the end-all-be-all of a person's mental health. Instead, we can focus on understanding and addressing the individual needs and experiences of each patient. This personalized approach can lead to more effective treatment and better outcomes for patients.

At the same time, it's important to acknowledge that some individuals may still find comfort and validation in having a diagnosis. It's not about completely disregarding diagnostic labels, but rather recognizing their limitations and not relying on them as the sole determinant of a person's health.

Ultimately, the power to make decisions about one's own health should lie with the patient, in collaboration with their healthcare provider. By empowering patients, we can move towards a more patient-centered and effective healthcare system.