Posted by Adam on January 21, 2000, at 11:01:54
In reply to Adam, posted by judy on January 21, 2000, at 2:01:00
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A lot of people don't have the option of being part of a research study and are so ill/depressed/etc. that they accept whatever their psychiatrist's prescribe.It's tough, no question, and I appreciate the fact that on at least one occasion, I had very good fortune. But the thing is, nobody told me the research studies I enrolled in were the right ones. I've actually had the opportunity to enroll in quite a large number of studies, and made (at least in the case of the second) judicious decisions about where I was going to spend my time. I was able to do so only because I researched and researched and asked every question, from the dumbest possible to a couple of insightful ones, before I went ahead.
I guess the point of what I'm saying is I've been pretty severly depressed in the past, but recognized that my best bet was to get educated. Also, there are lots of research studies out there, so I think the number of people who really do have that option is bigger than one would think. The key is finding the ones that fit you the best. That is difficult, but not impossible for anyone, and I'm not all that special, so I figure if I can find success going that route lots of people can.
>Maybe the 15 minute check allowed by their HMO with no choice of psychiatrist contributes to some of it. You're right, I do blame the systemI've only had HMOs to work with when it came to my mental health. I'm not very happy with them either. I think 26 visits a year for both psychopharm and psychotherapy (excluding the 15 min. "drug chats" which last about long enough to say hello, fill out a prescription, and schedule the next appointment) is woefully inadequate for most people's needs. As far as I'm concerned, HMOs kill people. That's why I haven't relied upon mine entirely. You can't.
>And yes, I've been the victim more than once and that was with highly esteemed psychiatrists with fully compensated 45 minute sessions. Thank you and take care.
Thank you too, and I hope you find success. You may need some luck, but I think your best path to success is to use your obvious intelligence in your favor: Read everything you can find, get multiple points of view, and take charge when opportunities knock. They will.
poster:Adam
thread:19211
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000112/msgs/19339.html