Front Desk : An Explaination of Terms Navigating Healthcare
There are so many questions surrounding Movement Disorders that remain unanswered. In fact, not too long ago, MDs were still considered to be entirely psychiatric illnesses, leaving many without satisfactory treatment. There is no doubt that we have come a long way in the past few decades. Nevertheless, it remains vitally important that well-informed patients present the facts as clearly, concisely and honestly as possible. Indeed, although a consistent criterion for objective diagnosis seems far out of reach, the vast majority of health professionals hope to maintain a standard of care which will allow their patients to flourish. If possible, take a conscientious advocate with you who can offer an unemotional account of symptoms and vouch for you. It is an unavoidable truth that most decisions are based on subjective observation. However, if you have developed a relationship with your medical professional and are willing to explore all the possibilities, you may have an easier go. Your medical professional is a human being. If it helps, think of her as a contractor hired to help guide you on your search for answers. Remember to be a good employer; seriously considering the data you've paid her to compile and, despite kindness, comfort and loyalty, only keeping those on payroll who consistently seek your best interests. -- The DSM-IV, or Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, is available in most libraries and is a fascinating read. Dystonia Living Magazine encourages those who have been diagnosed with one of the following disorders, or who may have the slightest interest, to take a look through its pages. Other terms relevant to those experiencing dystonic movements, such as, Functional, organic and non-organic Dystonia, are not found in the DSM-IV and have been defined based on various papers and descriptions available online. I have included links to some of these documents at the base of this article.
Somatoform Disorders – Unexplained symptoms, psychological root Conversion Disorder Hysteria/Briquet’s, currently known as Somatization Disorder Undifferentiated Somatoform Disorder Somatoform Disorder Not Otherwise Specified
Malingering -- Societal Manipulation
Psychological Factor Affecting Medical Condition "Functional" May refer to a somatoform disorder or may include symptoms of dissociative disorder Psychogenic Date: 1902 : originating in the mind or in mental or emotional conflict.1
Organic Dystonia Refers to presentations of Dystonia which have a proven physical cause and in which psychological causation has been discounted. Non-organic Dystonia Refers to cases in which unexplained dystonic movement or/expecially fixed dystonia is noted and in which psychological causation is suspected/indicated.
"Hysterical conversion disorders refer to functional neurological deficits..." "...functional disorder of the central nervous system, or is of psychogenic origin." "...assessment and diagnosis of functional symptoms in neurology..." "...while rare, psychogenic dystonia is under-diagnosed."
|
copyright Dystonia Living 2009 |