Posted by Racer on February 1, 2006, at 14:38:32
In reply to It's just a word » muffled, posted by Dinah on January 31, 2006, at 21:13:16
> You're the same person you were before you knew the word had been applied to you. If it's helpful in leading you to self understanding, then it's helpful. If it doesn't help you understand yourself, or if you don't think it is an accurate reflection of you, then just put it aside. You're a person not a DSM-IV classification.
Now, you know diagnosis is a major trigger for me, but my T and I have been talking about why that is. There is a reason: once that BPD label is put on you, doctors back away from trying to find a medication to help. "Oh, the medications are as good as it's gonna get because of the BPD." "No medications will help any more than this set is, only DBT will help now." They dismiss you, because, well, it's not their fault that nothing will help you.
In theory, I agree: who cares what they call you, if the treatment works. The problem is, a lot of doctors stop looking for a treatment that does work once they apply that label.
I've had that with other labels, too: "She's hypersensitive to side effects. That means that any side effects she reports aren't real." "She's a hypochondriac, so if she reports a problem, it's psychological." Etc. [Warm Place], Dinah -- I nearly died over one of those! A simple urinary tract infection wasn't adequately treated -- because my complaints were signs of hypochondriasis -- became a kidney infection, and my kidneys nearly shut down. Not to mention some nasty experiences regarding psychotropic medication side effects.
OK. Deep breath. This is a tough subject for me, you know, and it's why I'm thinking of stopping meds right now. So, keep my bias in mind, as you read it.
poster:Racer
thread:604933
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20060131/msgs/605204.html