Some Popular Misconceptions in Psychiatry!

The following memo was sent to all California State Senators by Tom Barresi:

January 29, 2001 
To: All the California State Senators. 
From: Tom Barresi, Mental Health Reformer. 
Re: Some Popular Misconceptions in Psychiatry! 

Now that the "line has been crossed" by the brilliant proposal of Senator Kuehl, (SB 98), I thought it might be informative to look at some age-old fallacies which occur in the "world of psychiatry". The term "nervous breakdown" is a blatant misnomer. It appears nowhere in psychological literature, and in fact, if it weren't for our nervous systems holding us together as well as they do, we would all be marshmallows. In short, it is not the nerves that break down, (they are durable), but rather our adrenal glands. The glands that regulate (through stress, diet, and sleep, as well as adrenaline), the behavioral response known as "fight or flight". So after unrelenting stress, (unresolved issues, as I term them), over a long period of time, (our "man on fire" syndrome), as seen in our shooters in Wakefield, and Grass Valley, and our Capitol trucker, decide they can't "flee" the situation any longer emotionally (trapped), so they "fight; "with tragic results.   

We are all capable of this "nervous exhaustion", but it usually occurs to people who are experiencing deep isolation, and massive rejection; over long periods of time. And as already noted, everyone can identify the frantic "mental behavior", except the sufferer himself. Because he is acting "normally," in his "accelerated" mind, to a horrific buildup of stress, while all the time trying desperately to cope with the situation. 

I'd like to mention mental hospitals here, if I may; for aside from having a nervous breakdown, (which don't really exist), I believe being locked-up in one of these, is man's second greatest fear in life. Of the eight or so hospitals I have been sent, (all in California), each was remarkably alike: The staff was excellent, the food was unequaled, and in every circumstance my well-being and speedy recovery was "the order of the day". 

What then of some hospital misconceptions: 

1. In over 30 years of psychiatric care, I have never seen or even heard of a straight-jacket. To my view, they do not exist any longer in the mental health arena. 
   
2. Likewise too, I have never been privy to the procedure known as a Lobotomy. I don't believe this exists either, in a practical manner. 
   
3. I have read the literature about E.C.T., or electroshock therapy, and I believe after 6 months or so, of severe depression, this treatment may be indicated. But frankly, after the family signs the reams and reams of paperwork, needed to begin the treatment, the patient may have already recovered. 
   
4. There is no violence or mistreatment, (sexual or otherwise), ever, in a mental hospital. This is do to ample, and regular doses of medications, as well as the employment of rather large male attendants, who seem very well trained in managing people! 
   
5. Up unto 1992, (my last hospitalization), there were wrist and ankle restraints in frequent use. Although not comfortable, I never saw the mortal danger in their use. However, due to bills from legislators like yourselves, restraints are no longer used "at will", but only under the advice of an attending psychiatrist or professional. 
   
6. They no longer use water torture, (went out in 50's), or shackles or anything unlawful, and even the "3 foot long needle" full of Thorazine has been replaced by harmless pills.
   
7. They do use however, "the dreaded isolation chamber". A padded room with no windows, (other than a slot for the attendant to see you), this room can be "home" for 3 hours or 3 days. Lacking a bathroom, you really have to scream, to make your toilet intentions known. Myself, not really happy, in isolated settings, I find this place to be my least favorite area of the hospital. But more than being alone, I have a most difficult time with the bright light glaring from the ceiling…24 hours a day; it makes sleeping absolutely impossible. 

Of all the treatments, and social abuses, endured in my life, this chamber makes the least amount of sense to me. I can only think of it as some kind of catharsis, of how lonely and singular my life could become, if I'm not really careful! 

Regards, 
Tom Barresi 
1459 East Lassen Ave. 32 
Chico, Ca. 95973

Click here for additional writing on this topic by Tom Barresi.

Opinions expressed in this web site do not necessarily reflect the views of NAMI Santa Cruz County, NAMI California or any affiliated organizations.  We attempt to present a balanced perspective on issues by presenting multiple viewpoints.

Copyright 2005 National Alliance for the Mentally Ill Santa Cruz County, All Rights Reserved.

FAIR USE NOTICE: This may contain copyrighted (©) material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. Such material is made available to advance understanding of ecological, political, human rights, economic, democracy, scientific, moral, ethical, and social justice issues, etc. It is believed that this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. For more information go to: http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml  If you wish to use copyrighted material for purposes of your own that go beyond 'fair use', you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.