"I'm mad, me"

[denny]

Seeing the mention of psychology in the meme reminded me; I got my copy of the report from the consultant psychiatrist today (re: side effects of accident). Apparently I'm quite the mess. Initially I was pleased when I started reading it, thinking "This can only help my claim", and then I started re-reading it and realising that it was all true. Which was a bit grim.

Treatment has been strongly recommended, and my lawyer suggests that I should follow that recommendation (as not doing so might adversely affect my claim). So apparently I'm off to see a clinical psychologist for some cognitive behavioural therapy, once I've asked my GP to refer me to one anyway. I think CBT must be some kind of mental toolkit to aid the 'getting your shit together' process, but I'm not really sure - I'll find out, I suppose.

Choice paragraph:

In my opinion, Mr De La Haye at present is presenting with adjustment disorder with anxiety and depressive features. There is significant evidence that he also suffered from post traumatic stress disorder, and to some extent this is still ongoing, with significant features of hypervigilance, avoidance, flashbacks and significant distress and arousal, especially while travelling.

Interestingly, I remember that I came away from that interview feeling like I'd really understated the whole thing. I'm not sure whether that means that I'm even worse than she thinks, or she's better at her job than I gave her credit for.

By the way, does anyone know what the clinical meaning of 'arousal' is in that context? I definitely don't get turned on by travelling, so I'm presuming it means something else :)

Comments

[zellah.livejournal.com]

I'm quite sure that's not what they meant... maybe along the lines of accelerated heartrate, adrenaline etc etc?

SO looking forward to seeing you angel :)

**kiss**

[valkyriekaren.livejournal.com]

I think they mean 'roused to emotion'. There are other things that can be aroused than desire, you know; rage, pity, distress...

[adjectivegail]

That's the sense I get from it as well; I guess any emotion can be aroused in a person, just the word tends to get linked with sex the most...

[fellcat.livejournal.com]

I think CBT must be some kind of mental toolkit to aid the getting your shit together process

You would be about right. I rave about how wonderful it is quite a lot, as it has so far worked very well for me.

The theory goes approximately (where arrows indicate causality):

        Event
       |     |
       V     V
What you     What you do
think        about it
about it     (behavioural 
(cognitive   reaction)
reaction)    |
       |     |
       V     V
How you feel (emotional reaction)

By altering one's patterns of thinking and behaving WRT given situations, one can alter one's feelings about those situations.

[katishna.livejournal.com]

Yes, I *love* CBT. It hasn't helped me for everything (i'm supposed to start "DBT" soon) but for the things it works for, it's worked wonders.

[feanelwa.livejournal.com]

Arousal is used to mean some level of activation of the adrenaline response - faster breathing, accelerated heart rate, looking over your shoulder, moving around more, etc.

[duncanneko.livejournal.com]

Arousal is indeed the technical term for any heightened emotional state. And your summary of CBT is fairly accurate, it's the "talking things through" solution as much as anything - presenting you with tools to modify your thought (cognitive) behaviour patterns. It's the current favored therapy option, as psychoanalysis has been in the past.

</psychgeek>

[nisaba.livejournal.com]

It's the current favored therapy option, as psychoanalysis has been in the past.

It's been the favoured therapy for a good decade or more, mostly because it's been found to be the most significantly effective (both short and long term) treatment for a huge range of issues. It's no panacea, but it's favoured for a real reason, not just fashionable trends in psychology.

</psychgeek honours graduate> :)

[fellcat.livejournal.com]

It works, at least for some people and some problems. Here behind this keyboard sits living proof.

[lzz.livejournal.com]

I had CBT and it was very useful, so I wouldn't worry about being recommended to go for it. Sometimes I think it should stand for compulsory basic training like the bike test, and everyone should have it as a matter of course...

Are you coming to the dungeon party?

[dennyd.livejournal.com]

I am having great trouble separating the two acronyms in my mind at this point :)

Probably not. I'm not in much of a party mood lately, which is a shame as everyone seems to be having them...

[lzz.livejournal.com]

I find the whole thing gets further confused by the third meaning of 'cock and ball torture'...

DO come to the party! It would be lovely to see you *flutters eyelashes*

[flannelcat.livejournal.com]

These guys have got it right - Arousal - heightened physical response, breathing, heartbeat. And CBT is worth it. I think EVRYBODY needs a good dose of "Getting my shit" together at SOME point in their life. And it's quite harmless. Really.

Hey dude. Long time no see. I seem to have lost your presence on my friends list. No worries if it's deliberate - catching up on hundreds of people is a hassle, I know. But...just reminding you I'm around, and thinking of ya.