Psycho-Babble Psychology Thread 366835

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Re: Please everyone, let's take a deep breath

Posted by AuntieMel on July 23, 2004, at 11:39:09

In reply to Please everyone, let's take a deep breath, posted by AuntieMel on July 23, 2004, at 11:37:07

I feel like someone in a 50s movie. "can't we all just play nice"

I take no sides here. I just want peace in the family.

 

Re: Please everyone, let's take a deep breath

Posted by TexasChic on July 23, 2004, at 12:17:34

In reply to Please everyone, let's take a deep breath, posted by AuntieMel on July 23, 2004, at 11:37:07

I didn't mean my post as an attack, I was trying to reach out. I was honestly trying to help, not make things worse. But if that's what I did I apologize.

 

Re: I'm with TC and PC...

Posted by fires on July 23, 2004, at 12:42:16

In reply to Re: I'm with TC and PC... » fires, posted by TexasChic on July 23, 2004, at 9:28:41

I think you may be misinterpreting what I meant by **? Is that possible?

Also, I don't think that "fricken" is an acceptable euphemism. I don't know of any schools in my area that would allow students to use it on campus.

Thanks

 

Re: I'm with TC and PC...

Posted by fires on July 23, 2004, at 12:46:35

In reply to Re: I'm with TC and PC... » JenStar, posted by chemist on July 23, 2004, at 9:32:05

> > awesome, funny post! :) I love Catch 22 - one of my very favorite books. Good analogy! :)
> >
> > Chuckling...
> >
> > JenStar (Or...is it TexasChic....or it is AuntieMel? The possibilities, like the Yossarians, abound!)
>
>
> hello there, chemist chemist here...or am i? all the best...

I don't find these types of posts are beneficial , or amusing. Why don't some of you just admit to using multiple names here, *if you are indeed doing so*. Messages like above only further cause me to believe that it is being done here.

Thanks

 

Re: I'm with TC and PC... » fires

Posted by Larry Hoover on July 23, 2004, at 12:52:18

In reply to Re: I'm with TC and PC..., posted by fires on July 22, 2004, at 20:38:24

> I think everyone knows what "fricken" stands for.

Then why did you post a definition, one far more explicit than the original form?

> I would appreciate it if you would refrain from using it in any thread that I start.

I would appreciate if if you would refrain from claiming ownership of any thread to which others post.

Thanks

 

Re: I'm with TC and PC...

Posted by TexasChic on July 23, 2004, at 12:58:29

In reply to Re: I'm with TC and PC..., posted by fires on July 23, 2004, at 12:42:16

Why you would use ** instead of the real word if it weren't something offensive? It doesn't matter. I don't want to argue with you, I just didn't think that was a fair request.
Anyway, I think I'm just going to shut up now. I'm obviously not communicating effectively today, everyone keeps misunderstanding me.
I hope your day goes well.

 

Re: somatoform disorder(s) » fires

Posted by Larry Hoover on July 23, 2004, at 13:07:02

In reply to Re: somatoform disorder(s), posted by fires on July 23, 2004, at 11:32:32

> I don't think you attacked me in the near past with ad hominem messages, so I will repond.
>
> >>What sets somatoform apart (there are a number of different sub-types, but you don't further specify) is that following a series of diagnostic tests and assessments, no underlying disease state can be found.<<
>
> You so eloquently stated above the problem with Somatoform: It assumes that there are tests and assessments currently available for all disorders/diseases. That's an incorrect assumption!!

No, there is no such assumption. Doctors not finding anything that corresponds to their current state of knowledge is not the same thing as assuming they know everything and how to find it.

> Stomach and duodenal ulcers were once considered to be of "psychosomatic" etiology, but along came "better" science, and a bacteria was demonstrated to be the cause of ulcers. So all the ulcer victims were suddenly no longer victims of their own psyches.

Stress is still a factor, and treatment is still symptomatic. Knowing "why to do" is better than knowing "what to do", but apart from adding antibiotic therapy, what to do hasn't changed.

> Perhaps you aren't too familiar with the medical field,

Careful, lest you stray into ad hominem land.

> so I will give you another example of how one can test/be assessed neg. for a med. problem yet still have one/it.
>
> My sister (ECG tech) has told me many stories of people who have come into the ER with MI symptoms, only to test negative for MI. Then they die of a massive MI on the way home.

ECG is not 100% sensitive to AMI (false negatives are possible), nor 100% specific for AMI (false positives are possible). Cardiac enzyme levels (myocardial troponin T) are generally very sensitive and specific to ischemia. In any case, anecdote is not really of predictive value. "The exception proves the rule."

>
>
> Thank you
>
>

You're welcome.

 

Re: Please everyone, let's take a deep breath » TexasChic

Posted by AuntieMel on July 23, 2004, at 13:56:08

In reply to Re: Please everyone, let's take a deep breath, posted by TexasChic on July 23, 2004, at 12:17:34

Of course you didn't mean it as an attack. I read it as explaining how you feel.

That wasn't directed at any particular person, just a plea in general.

 

Re: I'm with TC and PC...

Posted by fires on July 23, 2004, at 14:47:26

In reply to Re: I'm with TC and PC..., posted by TexasChic on July 23, 2004, at 12:58:29

> Why you would use ** instead of the real word if it weren't something offensive? It doesn't matter. I don't want to argue with you, I just didn't think that was a fair request.
> Anyway, I think I'm just going to shut up now. I'm obviously not communicating effectively today, everyone keeps misunderstanding me.
> I hope your day goes well.

I seriously doubt that "everyone" is misunderstanding you.

Thanks

 

Re: I'm with TC and PC... » fires

Posted by partlycloudy on July 23, 2004, at 14:49:28

In reply to Re: I'm with TC and PC..., posted by fires on July 23, 2004, at 14:47:26

> > Why you would use ** instead of the real word if it weren't something offensive? It doesn't matter. I don't want to argue with you, I just didn't think that was a fair request.
> > Anyway, I think I'm just going to shut up now. I'm obviously not communicating effectively today, everyone keeps misunderstanding me.
> > I hope your day goes well.
>
> I seriously doubt that "everyone" is misunderstanding you.
>
> Thanks
>
>

Sarcasm is not an appreciated art form here.

 

Re: I'm with TC and PC... » fires

Posted by AuntieMel on July 23, 2004, at 14:52:13

In reply to Re: I'm with TC and PC..., posted by fires on July 23, 2004, at 14:47:26

Actually TexasChic is having a very bad day today. And she, too, is a very nice person. I'm sure she didn't intentionally try to offend you.

I'm one of those that believe intent is just as or more important as the action itself.

 

Re: somatoform disorder(s)

Posted by fires on July 23, 2004, at 15:06:27

In reply to Re: somatoform disorder(s) » fires, posted by Larry Hoover on July 23, 2004, at 13:07:02

> > I don't think you attacked me in the near past with ad hominem messages, so I will repond.
> >
> > >>What sets somatoform apart (there are a number of different sub-types, but you don't further specify) is that following a series of diagnostic tests and assessments, no underlying disease state can be found.<<
> >
> > You so eloquently stated above the problem with Somatoform: It assumes that there are tests and assessments currently available for all disorders/diseases. That's an incorrect assumption!!
>
> No, there is no such assumption. Doctors not finding anything that corresponds to their current state of knowledge is not the same thing as assuming they know everything and how to find it.
>
> > Stomach and duodenal ulcers were once considered to be of "psychosomatic" etiology, but along came "better" science, and a bacteria was demonstrated to be the cause of ulcers. So all the ulcer victims were suddenly no longer victims of their own psyches.
>
> Stress is still a factor, and treatment is still symptomatic. Knowing "why to do" is better than knowing "what to do", but apart from adding antibiotic therapy, what to do hasn't changed.
>
> > Perhaps you aren't too familiar with the medical field,
>
> Careful, lest you stray into ad hominem land.
>
> > so I will give you another example of how one can test/be assessed neg. for a med. problem yet still have one/it.
> >
> > My sister (ECG tech) has told me many stories of people who have come into the ER with MI symptoms, only to test negative for MI. Then they die of a massive MI on the way home.
>
> ECG is not 100% sensitive to AMI (false negatives are possible), nor 100% specific for AMI (false positives are possible). Cardiac enzyme levels (myocardial troponin T) are generally very sensitive and specific to ischemia. In any case, anecdote is not really of predictive value. "The exception proves the rule."
>
> >
> >
> > Thank you
> >
> >
>
> You're welcome.

Well. Where to begin? I do believe that you have contradicted yourself.

>>> No, there is no such assumption. Doctors not finding anything that corresponds to their current state of knowledge is not the same thing as assuming they know everything and how to find it.<<

Then why don't they consider that a patient might have such a disorder instead of Dxing Somatoform Disorder?? I had/have such a disorder.
Thank goodness I didn't buy into the Somatoform Dx!!

>>> Stress is still a factor, and treatment is still symptomatic. Knowing "why to do" is better than knowing "what to do", but apart from adding antibiotic therapy, what to do hasn't changed.<<

I will refrain from posting links, but my research indicates that your statement contains errors. 1) Stress *may* be a factor in *some* patients with ulcers. If you have scientific data to the contrary I would like to see it.

2)What to do has changed. Not only are antibiotics given, but Pepto Bismol(sometimes), and the newer PPIs are also used (nearly always) for ulcers.

>>> ECG is not 100% sensitive to AMI (false negatives are possible), nor 100% specific for AMI (false positives are possible). Cardiac enzyme levels (myocardial troponin T) are generally very sensitive and specific to ischemia. In any case, anecdote is not really of predictive value. "The exception proves the rule."<<

Thanks again for so eloquently making my point !! Re-read the above , then apply that same logic to the Dxing of Somatoform. Is there a blood test for Somatoform? or do Pdocs rely on anecdotal and subjective info. to Dx it? "The exception proves the rule"

Thanks

 

Re: Thanks Mel!

Posted by TexasChic on July 23, 2004, at 15:13:20

In reply to Re: I'm with TC and PC... » fires, posted by AuntieMel on July 23, 2004, at 14:52:13

I knew you didn't direct that at me. It just made me want to reinforce my intent.

 

Re: Again I'm interested in your choice. (nm) » fires

Posted by Dinah on July 23, 2004, at 15:29:04

In reply to Re: I'm with TC and PC..., posted by fires on July 23, 2004, at 14:47:26

 

Re: Texas Chic

Posted by Dinah on July 23, 2004, at 15:33:20

In reply to Re: Thanks Mel!, posted by TexasChic on July 23, 2004, at 15:13:20

Please don't feel that this is a problem with you. :) You're communicating just fine.

 

Re: apples oranges Lar and fires

Posted by AuntieMel on July 23, 2004, at 15:38:42

In reply to Re: somatoform disorder(s), posted by fires on July 23, 2004, at 11:32:32

It's good to have you back, Lar.

I could be way, way off on this, and confused. It *is* friday.

It seems that we have an apple/oranges problem here. Or you are trying to say the same thing in different ways.

Ulcers and MI are things that can be tested for and diagnosed, notwithstanding false negatives. The theory of the *cause* of ulcers was found to be erroneous, but ulcers themselves could be diagnosed.

Somatoform Disorder, and others, are convenient labels that get applied when all other tests fail to show anything. There is a good chance that new technology will find, or help narrow down the diagnosis even further.

But the biggest point here, in my opinion, was that fires was diagnosed with it, without his (or is it her? please tell) knowledge. And that the diagnosis was done by a shrink, and without any testing to rule out other things first. That seems to me to be a HUGE assumption.

And putting it on a chart as if it was based in science seems totally irresponsible.

Fires set the record straight, and for that should be commended.

 

Re: Please be careful » Larry Hoover

Posted by AuntieMel on July 23, 2004, at 15:46:19

In reply to Re: Off topic digressions, multiple ids » fires, posted by Larry Hoover on July 22, 2004, at 16:15:38

We don't want to lose you. You're far too valuable here.

 

Re:No problem. (nm) » TexasChic

Posted by AuntieMel on July 23, 2004, at 15:48:09

In reply to Re: Thanks Mel!, posted by TexasChic on July 23, 2004, at 15:13:20

 

Re: somatoform disorder(s) » fires

Posted by Larry Hoover on July 23, 2004, at 16:35:24

In reply to Re: somatoform disorder(s), posted by fires on July 23, 2004, at 15:06:27

> Well. Where to begin? I do believe that you have contradicted yourself.

Nope.

> >>> No, there is no such assumption. Doctors not finding anything that corresponds to their current state of knowledge is not the same thing as assuming they know everything and how to find it.<<
>
> Then why don't they consider that a patient might have such a disorder instead of Dxing Somatoform Disorder??

What disorder? When you say "such a disorder", what are you referring to? If a doctor looked, and didn't find anything, there is no diagnosis. Do you want me to copy and present the diagnostic characteristics of Somatoform Disorder? It can't be proven, but it can be diagnosed, according to the nosology in use today.

> I had/have such a disorder.

An undiagnosable disorder?

> Thank goodness I didn't buy into the Somatoform Dx!!

Why?

> >>> Stress is still a factor, and treatment is still symptomatic. Knowing "why to do" is better than knowing "what to do", but apart from adding antibiotic therapy, what to do hasn't changed.<<
>
> I will refrain from posting links, but my research indicates that your statement contains errors. 1) Stress *may* be a factor in *some* patients with ulcers. If you have scientific data to the contrary I would like to see it.

I reiterate. Stress is still a factor, but I will go on to say....in the etiology and treatment of ulcers.

> 2)What to do has changed. Not only are antibiotics given, but Pepto Bismol(sometimes), and the newer PPIs are also used (nearly always) for ulcers.

Acid reducing meds, all. There are newer categories (You left out H2 blockade.), but not novel treatments, apart from antibiotics. And even that category was actually in use, by serendipity, as bismuth salts are antibiotic.

> >>> ECG is not 100% sensitive to AMI (false negatives are possible), nor 100% specific for AMI (false positives are possible). Cardiac enzyme levels (myocardial troponin T) are generally very sensitive and specific to ischemia. In any case, anecdote is not really of predictive value. "The exception proves the rule."<<
>
> Thanks again for so eloquently making my point !! Re-read the above , then apply that same logic to the Dxing of Somatoform. Is there a blood test for Somatoform? or do Pdocs rely on anecdotal and subjective info. to Dx it? "The exception proves the rule"

Nothing is 100% in medicine, or any scientific enterprise. Just because no one can prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that you have somatoform disorder does not mean that you do not. You are committing the logical fallacy of denying the antecedent.

> Thanks

You're welcome.

 

Re: Please be careful » AuntieMel

Posted by Larry Hoover on July 23, 2004, at 16:36:07

In reply to Re: Please be careful » Larry Hoover, posted by AuntieMel on July 23, 2004, at 15:46:19

> We don't want to lose you. You're far too valuable here.

Thanks, but I've got a handle on things. ;-)

 

Re: somatoform disorder(s)

Posted by fires on July 23, 2004, at 16:46:26

In reply to Re: somatoform disorder(s) » fires, posted by Larry Hoover on July 23, 2004, at 16:35:24

I was DXed with Somatoform which was wrong. I have POTS. (Objective proof).

I suppose according to your logic: just because they failed to substantiate Somatoform doesn't mean I don't have it?

Maybe I also have MS, MD, ADD, ***MPD***, etc..

bye

 

Re: Please be careful » Larry Hoover

Posted by chemist on July 23, 2004, at 16:47:41

In reply to Re: Please be careful » AuntieMel, posted by Larry Hoover on July 23, 2004, at 16:36:07

> > We don't want to lose you. You're far too valuable here.
>
> Thanks, but I've got a handle on things. ;-)
>
>
larry, just a quick hello...and that's all...be well, friend, tjm

 

Re: apples oranges Lar and fires » AuntieMel

Posted by Larry Hoover on July 23, 2004, at 16:51:35

In reply to Re: apples oranges Lar and fires, posted by AuntieMel on July 23, 2004, at 15:38:42

> It's good to have you back, Lar.

Thanks. Feeling stronger as time goes on.

> I could be way, way off on this, and confused. It *is* friday.
>
> It seems that we have an apple/oranges problem here. Or you are trying to say the same thing in different ways.

I think we're saying something different entirely.

> Ulcers and MI are things that can be tested for and diagnosed, notwithstanding false negatives. The theory of the *cause* of ulcers was found to be erroneous, but ulcers themselves could be diagnosed.

Chronic pain can be diagnosed, too, but pain can't be measured. There are many different kinds of assumptions in medicine. Diagnosis is often "proven" by the success of treatments suggested by the tentative diagnosis.

> Somatoform Disorder, and others, are convenient labels that get applied when all other tests fail to show anything.

I would never call them "convenient", although they can be prematurely applied by some clinicians. Med school and residency are lengthy for good reason. But 50% of each graduating class was in the bottom half.

> There is a good chance that new technology will find, or help narrow down the diagnosis even further.

The average time to get an accurate diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is greater than 6 years (and takes 11 doctors). It also doesn't help that's it's called the Yuppie Flu. There will always be these "shadow diagnoses", where objective evidence and diagnostic specificity just can't (yet) be found.

> But the biggest point here, in my opinion, was that fires was diagnosed with it, without his (or is it her? please tell) knowledge.

There is a school of thought that believes it is deleterious to inform some patients of their diagnoses, based on a judgment of the individual's character traits.

> And that the diagnosis was done by a shrink, and without any testing to rule out other things first. That seems to me to be a HUGE assumption.

If I recall, the diagnosis was by a psych resident. That means that *all* cases would be supervised by senior staff. It wouldn't be just this one doctor's opinion.

> And putting it on a chart as if it was based in science seems totally irresponsible.

Why is it irresponsible? Any newer physician would take that under advisement, but perform new diagnostic tests of their own. It would be malpractise to do otherwise. Doctors themselves are just as aware of the subjective quality of such a diagnosis. The uncertainty is not lost on doctors.

> Fires set the record straight, and for that should be commended.

Set what record straight? I'm confused by that statement.

Lar

 

Re: MPD?? » fires

Posted by AuntieMel on July 23, 2004, at 16:52:10

In reply to Re: somatoform disorder(s), posted by fires on July 23, 2004, at 16:46:26

That's funny. I'm still working on one.

 

Re: somatoform disorder(s) » fires

Posted by Larry Hoover on July 23, 2004, at 17:03:00

In reply to Re: somatoform disorder(s), posted by fires on July 23, 2004, at 16:46:26

> I was DXed with Somatoform which was wrong. I have POTS. (Objective proof).

Interesting. Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome. It's nice to post the long version of an acronym, at least one time.

From: http://www.potsplace.com/how_is_pots_detected.htm
"POTS is a disorder that can easily be overlooked or misdiagnosed. Some patients have had to wait years before their condition was properly labeled. POTS is sometimes misdiagnosed because of the wide array of symptoms that accompany this syndrome. The symptoms of postural orthostatic tachycardia often mimic other illnesses. Entities such as thyroid disease, pheochromocytoma, hypoadrenalism, cardiac disease, autonomic neuropathies, medication side effects and anxiety disorders need to be ruled out before a patient is labeled with POTS."

Sounds a lot like how they diagnose somatoform, except they found something.

> I suppose according to your logic: just because they failed to substantiate Somatoform doesn't mean I don't have it?

No, that is a different logical error, one you have created. What I would say is, "Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence."

> Maybe I also have MS, MD, ADD, ***MPD***, etc..
>
> bye

Maybe.

bye-bye


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