It has been quite the week, but all in all I got through it. I may have even done some good.
This week, I covered as the attending on the small inpatient/residential unit associated with my agency. It is a faster pace with a different focus without a doubt. To be honest, it brought me back to my days as a nurse working evening shift on the unit.
This week, I covered as the attending on the small inpatient/residential unit associated with my agency. It is a faster pace with a different focus without a doubt. To be honest, it brought me back to my days as a nurse working evening shift on the unit.
I had the opportunity to work with several clients diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) from admission through discharge. This disorder is both challenging and fascinating, and by far my favorite. (I know... I'm a sucker for punishment). As a prescriber, personality disorders are a cloudy presentation where I try my best to isolate the most problematic symptoms and pin down the underlying process. Safety first... always. A Tricyclic might seem like a good fit at the time, but if theres been a history of suicide attempts, best to avoid it.
However, as a therapist, BPD is endlessly intriguing and inspiring. The capacity for emotion in most individuals I have encountered with this diagnosis is impressive. Some of the most articulate narratives of the human experience of suffering have come in moments of crisis and clarity while 'trapped' with themselves in the inpatient setting. And despite the 'interpersonal chaos' in their lives, clients with BPD often have an emotional sensitivity that can transform into a deep empathy for others.
I do my best for those I serve... I offer what I can to assist them be it pharmacological or psychotherapeutic, but most importantly, I offer them respect for the uphill battle they face with courage every day.
However, as a therapist, BPD is endlessly intriguing and inspiring. The capacity for emotion in most individuals I have encountered with this diagnosis is impressive. Some of the most articulate narratives of the human experience of suffering have come in moments of crisis and clarity while 'trapped' with themselves in the inpatient setting. And despite the 'interpersonal chaos' in their lives, clients with BPD often have an emotional sensitivity that can transform into a deep empathy for others.
I do my best for those I serve... I offer what I can to assist them be it pharmacological or psychotherapeutic, but most importantly, I offer them respect for the uphill battle they face with courage every day.
