The greatest discovery of any generation is that human beings can alter their lives by altering their attitudes. — William James Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a complex, devastating disorder brought on by exposure to extreme stress and/or threat to life. From a psychodynamic standpoint, PTSD can be seen as a condition that arises … Continue reading Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Bariatric Surgery
Let me have men about me that are fat, Sleek-headed men and such as sleep a-nights.— Shakespeare The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) this month was dedicated to the topic of obesity and bariatric surgery. Having spent some time with patients getting them ready for surgery I thought I would take a moment … Continue reading Bariatric Surgery
Narcissism
He that is proud eats up himself: pride is his own glass, his own trumpet, his own chronicle; and whatever praises itself but in the deed, devours the deed in the praise.—Shakespeare, Troilus and Cressida Personality disorders are a challenge. Psychiatrists have struggled with the diagnosis both in categorizing patients and treating them. The latest … Continue reading Narcissism
Memory
Tis in my memory lock'd, and you shall keep the key of it. — Shakespeare, Hamlet Recent events have caused me to think about the use of assessment tools in the determination of a person's "fitness" for duty. The use of the Mini Mental Status Exam (MMSE) has long been used to screen for the … Continue reading Memory
In the beginning
The lunatic, the lover and the poet have such seething brains, such shaping fantasies... — Shakespeare I have been a practicing psychiatrist for the past ten years now. I began my practice as an employed physician. At that time, I was primarily involved in medication management and electroconvulsive therapy or (ECT). After 10 years, and … Continue reading In the beginning
Knowing You 