another sleaze

There is soooo much out there to try and keep track of that it gets ridiculous.  The idea of keeping up with the new research in brain chemistry, physiology, cognitive therapy, fMRI studies of someone's brain in every mood and situation, of behavioral genetics, of unconscious social forces ..... all kinds of stuff comes rolling in.  So often one study will contradict another one, or someone needs attention so he will hyperbolize even the slightest indication of a determining factor.

Then, this weekend, there was a series of articles in the NYT Magazine section, telling the world that depression is a complex disease of the brain, and that psychotherapy, which is often the most successful  treatment for it, hardly gets mentioned.

Now the psychiatrist who wrote about the brain disease did discuss two things I agree with; first that most of the current psychiatric medications don't work for most people, and second, that the term "depression"  probably covers several very different conditions, some of which really are caused by a malfunctioning brain, and others which are really reactions to terrible, stressful situations. But then he went back to treating the brain, as if it was "the mind" which it isn't, yet.

There was also an article in the Magazine about taking LSD when you're old and dying.  this is stuff I have known about, and I am looking forward to .....but not yet.

Then there was the article  in the Review section by Jonathan Alpert, sleaze-bag who decided that psychotherapy often goes on too long and is done that way because therapist are unskilled and just want the money.  Now Mr. Alpert, who says he has an advanced degree in psychology, right there is showing what a sleaze he is.  He has a MA of some kind, and under NY licensing laws he should not imply that he is a psychologist.  He also has written some book about how to change your life in 28 days.

What is shocking, and harmful, is that the Times gave this guy space.  Somebody must be doing someone some kind of favors.

Anyone who has read this blog knows that I am not an advocate of endless therapy.  I have even written about it.  But some people need it. And to imply that most psychologists do it is the kind of thing that could discourage people who need help for seeking it, for fear that a therapist will entrap them forever.

He also says that what most people need is an aggressive therapist who will tell them what to do.  Clearly, this guy has not done much therapy.  80% of the people who come to see me know exactly what they should be doing.  It's finding out why they don't do it that is necessary, and then finding a way around those, often self-imposed obstacles that makes therapy work.  If you just need someone to tell you what to do, then send an email to Dr. Phil.

There is so much psychological garbage flowing through the Internet, it is a real shame that the Times has to add to the pile.

inherent difficulties

I treat, or try to treat, a lot of people who are depressed. Most are depressed because their lives are rotten: they are broke, they are in bad relationships, and even those end badly, their parents are/were, mean, abusive, negligent or crazy. Stuff like that. Loss, loneliness, illness, injury, all those bad things tend to add up.

When anyone gets depressed then their outlook turns negative, often hopeless. They feel that othing matters, nothing is enjoyable, nothing will help. That's what depression is.

So, when people feel that nothing will help, they don't show up for their appointments. Then I can't help them.

If they do come, I can help them. And things go well because they want to be helped, and they believe that there is hope. So, am I helping, or just being their while they get better?

If they don't come, they they have no hope and then they won't get better. Can I help that?

Dunno.

I can think good thoughts and send them their way, but it is difficult to know how far I can project these thoughts.

I can make a phone call, but who answers a phone these days.

So I leave a message.

Sometimes they call back.