tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617569.post8354457502565127459..comments2024-03-27T02:13:58.088-07:00Comments on Integral Options Cafe: SciAm Mind Takes on PTSD Diagnosiswilliam harrymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06981478282688361274noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617569.post-14510665365445189602009-03-30T06:08:00.000-07:002009-03-30T06:08:00.000-07:00My impression of the article is that it is heavily...My impression of the article is that it is heavily biased, placing too much reliance on the views of only one psychologist (Dr. Richard McNally) who, Dobb acknowledges, is "perhaps the most forceful of the (PTSD) critics". For a really thorough critique please see Mike Dunford's blog at scienceblogs.com/authority/2009/03/ptsd_mental_health_and_the_mil.phpDr.Gnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617569.post-26555124229061336162009-03-18T11:31:00.000-07:002009-03-18T11:31:00.000-07:00David,Thanks for sharing your thoughts here - same...David,<BR/><BR/>Thanks for sharing your thoughts here - same to you, Teeny Yogini.<BR/><BR/>I understand the need for a clearer diagnosis, and with the ability to scan brains, the changes in the amygdala and hypocampus will likely become the diagnostic criteria at some point, assuming the PTSD diagnosis isn't completely eliminated (hard to say, since the DSM-V is not an open process).<BR/><BR/>I agree with the suggestions at the end of the article that veterans should get quality treatment no matter the diagnosis - that's only fair considering what we have asked of them.<BR/><BR/>BUT, if we treat people with actual PTSD misdiagnosed as something else, the outcomes will not be good in terms of making them functional again. Conversely, if we treat depression and anxiety as PTSD, the outcome is much more likely to be a functional human being.<BR/><BR/>Perhaps if some lesser accepted treatments (EMDR, parts work, etc) were implemented and evaluated, we might have more options than long-term treatment - it would be in the VA's interest to do so (and they are currently funding Dr. Richard Schwartz's Internal Family Systems Model in a small-scale study for PTSD).<BR/><BR/>Anyway, thanks again for stopping by the offer your position - much appreciated.<BR/><BR/>Peace,<BR/>Billwilliam harrymanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06981478282688361274noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617569.post-72360514510576335202009-03-18T10:54:00.000-07:002009-03-18T10:54:00.000-07:00David,Thank you for responding! I agree with what...David,<BR/><BR/>Thank you for responding! I agree with what you wrote above and hope that people will understand your very well-written article in that way. I did not mean to cast any aspersions on the article itself -- and apologize if it might have come off that way -- but rather on a potentially facile reading of it. Since, as you write, PTSD has become almost a "catch-all" term for a soldier suffering any psychological difficulty, I still fear that changing the definition (without concurrently changing our veteran's system as you suggest) could put care at risk. <BR/><BR/>I look forward to reading more of your work.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617569.post-2957499614108316512009-03-18T08:18:00.000-07:002009-03-18T08:18:00.000-07:00teeny yogini wrote:"One worries that articles like...teeny yogini wrote:<BR/><BR/>"One worries that articles like this will be used to simply cut services and abandon those who served and now suffer."<BR/><BR/>I can understand the worry -- but refer readers to the Sci Amm article itself, which essentially proposes, toward its end, a different disability system that would ensure that soldiers got the care they needed regardless of their diagnosis (i.e., PTSD v depression or anxiety-related issues). The present system encourages PTSD overdiagnosis because PTSD offers a unique path of access to health-care benefits and financial help (presently structured in a countertherapeutic fashion) that vets and soldiers should have access to as a matter of course.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617569.post-38565283902480863262009-03-17T12:43:00.000-07:002009-03-17T12:43:00.000-07:00Interesting subject, not only in and of itself, bu...Interesting subject, not only in and of itself, but because it raises good questions what happens when psychological research collides with political agendas.<BR/><BR/>The thing is it may be that PTSD IS too broadly defined and that some soldiers would be better off being treated for other disorders or even by getting basic reintegration help -- but the bottom line is that the soldiers should receive ADEQUATE help. One worries that articles like this will be used to simply cut services and abandon those who served and now suffer.<BR/><BR/>Will now watch this issue -- thanks for bringing it to light.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com