From:
Date: 03 May 2000
Time: 16:15:59
Remote Name: ppp-208-171-194-21.10.softcom.net
It is true you can make check lists but before making diagnosis, one must see how many different disorders have the same symptoms. Classic cases of some disorders according to the DSM III before DSM IV and the inclusion of Chronic Pain Disorder had few overlaps that made sense so the diagnosis of BPD became a catch all. Chronic Pain Syndrome and Borderline are almost identical, the differences are that Chronic Pain Syndrome disorder allows for the ability to bond, a sense of responsibility that is rational, being abkle to obtain and continue long term emplyoment and the perseverence to find the real answer by not accepting being considered a throw away person, as well as many other differences that are subtle and don't meet sympton reqirement. Chronic Pain Syndrome also mimics Football Player Syndrome. Many abused children have Chronic Pain Syndrome because before their bodies reached maturity the child's body can become so damaged by being seriously abused, very similiar to the pounding a football player takes throughout one's career. Symptoms are only guidelines, and without true observation and time to really know the client, no diagnosis is truly valid. This is why I feel so sarcastic when people say things like O.J. Simpson committed the crime and forgot because of this disorder or that. According to the two experts he saw one, Lenore Walker says he is nothing worse than Impulsive, and has a rare form of dyslexia. Not Chronic Wife Beater character. The other mental health guy said the same or similar, both spoke to him and did testing. As much as I feel dislike for Mark Furhman, none of us has this information. I, although just a layman, would make a guess as I did, but never say there is no doubt he is anything but what his own words of Racial and Gender Bias tell me. I am not defending him, just the rights of an individual. The field of Mental health is changing greatly. In some ways to the detriment of many. The idea of being a throw away person evolved. This is my reason for not accepting any diagnosis from anyone who has not truly gone through a traditional diagnostic process. I also listen to what isn't spoken about when a professional is involved because many Mental Health Professionals are so overworked and understaffed, they really haven't the time to really see past the textbook descriptions. Books and people are two seperate things. Getting normal behavior has become more important than helping the person heal.