Posted by fires on July 24, 2004, at 13:59:02
In reply to Re: somatoform - trying to be friend w you!, posted by JenStar on July 24, 2004, at 12:49:15
> Fires,
> I was reading up on somatoform disorder on the web. Reading about it made me mad. Most of the articles seemed to insinuate that any unidentifiable problem a person might suffer MUST be 'all in the head' even if the patient wasn't 'deliberately' causing sypmtoms. It reminded me of how I feel sometimes when I have real symptoms/real problems and the doctor acts kind of patronizing and assumes I'm just exaggerating (b/c of my past history of hypochondria.)
>
> You're right - many REAL conditions were thought to be stress-related or all in the head until we learned more, like ulcers caused by bacteria (not stress). I've read articles too that stated some people have much higher pain thresholds than others; folks who complain of chronic pain might NOT be somatoform sufferers, they might have real pain that is just more severe to their body even if a physician can't identify the cause.
>
> Bodies are complicated, and although doctors like to think we know everything, we really don't.
>
> Anyway, I'm sorry if you're been falsely diagonsed, esp. if they hid the diagnosis from you. That's horrible. I would be so mad and frustrated.
>
> How are you feeling these days? Any luck with a new doctor?
>
> Also, I really don NOT post under any other names. This is just me, JenStar!
>
> JenStarI have no choice, but to believe that you don't use other names because my evidence was entirely circumstantial.
RE: All in our heads. Years ago an MD told me to agree with people who say "It's all in your head" --- because our brain is in our head -- so they are technically correct.
Also, I know of several good Pdocs within 45 miles of my home, but they don't take my insurance. They would definitely not Dx anyone with Somatoform D. without first trying nearly every brain altering med. in the PDR!
Also, re: hypochondriasis. I had a link to a good article a while back that said that it's just as legit. as any other "brain disorder", unfortunately I can't find the link. Here's some info. that I'll bet Ts aren't telling too many hypochondriacs: (from www.bio-behavioral.com)
"WHAT MEDICATIONS ARE HELPFUL FOR HYPOCHONDRIASIS?
Current research indicates that anti-depressant medications when used in conjunction with psychological treatment may be quite helpful for hypochondriasis.
Some commonly used anti-depressant medications for hypchondriasis:
Sinequan
Tofranil
Elavil
Anafranil
Prozac
Anti-psychotic medications have also been indicated. "Good luck
poster:fires
thread:366835
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20040723/msgs/369999.html