I would like to thank Gen. Martin for both his exemplary service, and for his courage in sharing the tumultuous journey he has been on, in the world of manic-depressive illness ("bipolar disorder"). As a colleague who has worked with Dr. Ghaemi in developing diagnostic tools for MDI/BP, I am keenly aware of the difficulties in both diagnosing and correctly treating this illness. Both Dr. Ghaemi and I have been long-time proponents of lithium treatment, and have largely discouraged the use of antidepressants for MDI/BP. I think Gen. Martin's experience confirms very vividly the benefits of lithium, and also the hazards of "VIP treatment". The potential for adverse counter-transference feelings and inappropriate clinical care on the part of clinicians are often unrecognized in such instances, as Gen. Martin's experience illustrates.
It is gratifying to see that Gen. Martin has indeed come out on "the other side" of all this with grace, dignity, and courage.
Do you know if the General has any nostalgia about the manic symptoms when they allowed him to be "superhuman" - before psychosis and such happens, like the part in Irak whe he was two steps ahead
If he does not, do you reckon him having a hyperthymic temperament could be a protector of sort for the "ups nostalgia"?
This interview is very important and shows many real things of our daily practice: the harm of VIP healthacre, the harm of antidepressants to people suffering with bipolar disorder and how this illness is counterproductive. Thank you Gen. Martin for your courage to share with us your experience. Thank you Dr. Ghaemi for sharing this
I would like to thank Gen. Martin for both his exemplary service, and for his courage in sharing the tumultuous journey he has been on, in the world of manic-depressive illness ("bipolar disorder"). As a colleague who has worked with Dr. Ghaemi in developing diagnostic tools for MDI/BP, I am keenly aware of the difficulties in both diagnosing and correctly treating this illness. Both Dr. Ghaemi and I have been long-time proponents of lithium treatment, and have largely discouraged the use of antidepressants for MDI/BP. I think Gen. Martin's experience confirms very vividly the benefits of lithium, and also the hazards of "VIP treatment". The potential for adverse counter-transference feelings and inappropriate clinical care on the part of clinicians are often unrecognized in such instances, as Gen. Martin's experience illustrates.
It is gratifying to see that Gen. Martin has indeed come out on "the other side" of all this with grace, dignity, and courage.
Respectfully,
Ronald W. Pies, MD
Many thanks Ron for your insightful comments.
Very elegant interview from both sides
sides
I have a few questions
Do you know if the General has any nostalgia about the manic symptoms when they allowed him to be "superhuman" - before psychosis and such happens, like the part in Irak whe he was two steps ahead
If he does not, do you reckon him having a hyperthymic temperament could be a protector of sort for the "ups nostalgia"?
Do you have an opinion on that matter ?
Thank you
This interview is very important and shows many real things of our daily practice: the harm of VIP healthacre, the harm of antidepressants to people suffering with bipolar disorder and how this illness is counterproductive. Thank you Gen. Martin for your courage to share with us your experience. Thank you Dr. Ghaemi for sharing this