Posted by Adam on January 11, 2000, at 21:20:31
In reply to Re: Vuckovic (minor spoilers), posted by Elizabeth on January 11, 2000, at 1:46:03
Hmmm. OK, thank you. I think I may pick this up. Dr. Bodkin in a conversation referred to
ECT as the "cat's pajamas," so I wonder if it's just controversial outside the psyche ward.
Since I got a major dose of it (eight bilateral treatments in rapid succession, along with some
major amnesia to boot), I'm interested in the clinician's attitudes about it, safety, etc.> > In case this book winds up irritating the hell out of me (with requisite spoiler alerts) can you give an example of Vukovic's disagreeable yet understandable actions?
>
> I think it's more a case of attitudes than actions. He explains very well what is going on in his head when he does things. For example, I just got to a part where he had to restrain (physicaly and chemically) a patient who was attacking other people, then it turned out the patient had made an appointment to meet with his lawyer. Vuckovic did a good job of explaining to the lawyer why it was necessary to restrain the patient.
>
> For the most part he comes off as quite reasonable. He is also very honest about his weaknesses and errors. He doesn't shy away from controversial issues such as the use of restraints or ECT.
>
> The part I disagree with some is that he seems to stereotype the character-disordered patients. In fairness, he shows a remarkable amount of compassion for them, while still acknowledging how bloody irritating they are!
poster:Adam
thread:18362
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000101/msgs/18754.html