My Newsgroups File
Interesting Topics
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Newsgroups Subject One |
Newsgroups Subject Two |
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Subject One: Trichotillomania
Trichotillomania: I chose this subject because it
is something that I am learning about in another class, and I had no idea what
Trichotillomania was before I took that class. It is an extremely interesting
disorder in which people tend to pull their hair out (not only on the scalp,
all over the body) for relief of tension. I wanted to know how many people
either had or talked about this disorder and what they thought about it, and
looking in newsgroups was an excellent way of doing so. I hope you find this
interesting, and learn a little also.
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Problems with Pulling
Re: Eyebrow Tattoo
Date: 1999/02/09
I never knew trichotillomania was an OCD until yesterday, when I looked it up to make sure I spelled it right in my post. I never took medications for it. As a child, I lied and convinced my parents and doctor that it was due to allergies. (They thought that the hair "loss" on my scalp was alopecia) I thought I was going to get into trouble because I knew that doctor visits were expensive and I'd done this to myself. If I'm stressed enough, no amount of medication can keep me from "pulling." (i.e., when my shrink said that I couldn't get my tongue split because I wasn't "capable of understanding the ramifications..." that made me feel like my mental helath was naught but mush.) I still have to be careful when I tweeze my eyebrows, not to go overboard, and seeing body wax in the store makes my hands itch.
Response:
I think the writer is looking for explanations for her disorder, that is why she thinks it may be OCD. In a way, I feel like she has an attitude that doesn't seem to see her disorder as a problem. She seems to believe that as long as there is a title or a justification for it, it is fine. She doesn't seem to be asking for any help in the matter which only supports my theory. In our society, there are many disorders, and it seems like nowdays people are seeing psychologists and therapists for almost anything. In some very slight way, I think it may be getting out of hand with some therapists because some people aren't looking for help (as it seems with this person), they are looking for a justification.
They want someone to tell them they have this certain disorder and that is the cause of what ever symptoms they are experiencing. Disorders are just names, labels given to a set of symptoms. The disorder itself doesn't cause the symptoms. I think people get that confused. A classic example is someone saying they can't get out of bed because of their depression. It is like an excuse. They have a set of symptoms labeled as a certain disorder, and that gives them this attitude that they aren't capable of doing some things.
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Is It OCD?
Date: 1999/02/08
I've been ripping out my eyebrows and eyelashes on & off (trichotillomania -- >it's an OCD) since I was in first grade. (I'm in my late 20s now.) It always grows back. For a while, thinner, but if I leave it alone it goes right back to its original thickness. If I read my psych text correctly on OCD is not an off and on activity if you can leave em alone long enough for em to become thick you are not OCD on the issue. Unless of course the lapses were cases in which you stopped taking the meds or something.
Response:
This person seems to be different. She seems like she doesn't want to be labeled as someone with OCD, therefore is making a statement that since she lets her eyebrows grow back, and doesn't pull constantly, she isn't OCD in the matter. What I had learned in class was that trichotillomania isn't OCD at all. It is a disorder all of its own. She should realize that whether or not she has OCD or trichotillomania, she has a problem if she pulls out her hair for relief of some kind of stress, and seek some kind of help for it.
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Not Considered OCD
Date: 1999/02/17
Actually, trichotillomania is not considered a form of OCD as it used to be. It's classified as an impulse control disorder. Researchers see more neurological similarities between TTM and Tourette's, than TTM and OCD. Not that there aren't some similarities, and a person can have both OCD and TTM. The BEST thing you can do for yourself is contact the Trichotillomania Learning Center as another poster suggested, at (831) 457-1004. TLC has information about the disorder, and info on local resources such as support groups and treatment providers. They also have a great video you can order where 8 women share their experience with TTM. See their web site at [ www.trich.org. ]
People have had success in many different ways. Meds help some people, but are usually not a total solution. If you feel you are pulling more on Paxil, in my opinion you shouldn't be on it, if the reason you are on it is to stop pulling. If you are taking it for anxiety or some other disorder, talk to your doctor about trying a different med that may not aggravate your pulling. The single thing that helps me the most is the alleviation of the shame and isolation I suffered for so long. TLC is the best place to go for that. Then you can explore what methods of stopping will work best for you. Good luck! You are not alone!
Response:
This person has a helpful attitude. You can tell that this person is really concerned with the well being of others with this problem and is eager to help. He/She also seems very educated in the matter, which I think is great considering I think you shouldn't really try to help someone out if you don't know much about the matter. But he/she seems to be talking from first hand experience, which can be really useful to those who are interested in what he/she has to say. This post reflects that there are still good people in society willing to help others and care for people they have never even met. I think that this person wouldn't even be looking in newsgroups about this subject if he/she didn't care about others with the problem.
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Behavior Therapy
Date: 1999/02/06
This particular problem seems to respond reasonably well to treatment with behavior therapy. You may have to do some looking to find a therapist who knows about it but once you locate one the treatment itself is not complicated.
Response:
I think this guy is a doctor or something, so he does seem very helpful in his mannerism. I believe he gives hope to those who are really, truly seeking help for their disorder. He does make it like it is easy, though, and I am not fully convinced that once you do find treatment that it is easy. Nothing is easy with disorders. However, from what I learned from my teacher on behavior therapy is that it is the best treatment, but not always does it work. And behavior therapy is individualized. So you can't just pass your therapy onto a friend who has the same problem (this particular problem.)
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Still Not Doing Good
Date: 1999/02/10
I am still not doing well. Thank you all for your support, and many emails to help me through the worst of this. It seems like the Paxil is making this worse, I just do not think I am gonna be able to stand being completely bald. What behavioral therapy's have worked for other people?
Response:
This person seems to be in agony. Newsgroups seems like a way for her to release her troubles and still keep her anonymity. She gets support through these newsgroups and it seems to help her a bit, because there may not be someone in her immediate environment able to understand and comprehend what she is going through. I posted this letter because I felt it was a good example of how newsgroups can possitively affect someone.
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Subject Two: ADHD in Children
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is
another subject that I am learning in another class that I found was
interesting to look up on Newsgroups. There is a surprising number of people on
the discussions about this disorder. It is almost tragic to read all the
entries by concerned parents of children diagnosed with ADHD. Here are just a
few entries that I found to be interesting to read and comment on.
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About ADHD
Date: 1999/03/20
alt.support.attn-deficit--the FAQWelcome to FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS about alt.support.attn-deficit. The author disclaims any responsibility for the information contained in this document, although it was believed accurate as of the time of posting. It is not to be considered an authoritative work on the diagnosis of or treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Permission is hereby granted to republish, repost, email or reproduce this document by any means, with the express condition that it be published, posted or transmitted in its entirety, with no alterations or abridgments whatsoever. Copyright 1996 by Joe Parsons. All rights reserved.
1) Introduction
2) What is "attention deficit disorder?"
3) What is the purpose of a.s.a-d?
1) Introduction
This short document will introduce you to the informal electronic gathering of
folks we call alt.support.attn-deficit ("a.s.a-d"). It will provide a
brief introduction to the collection of symptoms and behaviors referred to as
"attention deficit disorder (ADD)" or "attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)." It is not intended as any sort of treatise
on diagnosis, treatment or management of ADD or ADHD, but rather as an
introduction to thissupport group.
2) What is "attention deficit disorder?"
Attention Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder (ADD, ADHD or AD(H)D) is a neurological
condition whose primary symptoms are distractibility, impulsiveness and
restlessness. The condition is frequently observed in school-age children as an
inability to pay attention or complete classwork, often accompanied by a
high-energy, ants-in-the-pants demeanor. In adults, ADD tends to manifest
itself as inattentiveness, absent-mindedness, impulsiveness, lack of
follow-through and an elastic perception of time. These behaviors may have led
to poor performance in school and in the workplace, and low self esteem and
clinical depression frequently travel hand-in-hand with ADD.
3) What is the purpose of a.s.a-d?
This newsgroup was formed by and for people who have been affected by ADD. This
includes people who have been diagnosed with ADD, people whose spouses have
ADD, adults who suspect they may have it, and parents of AD(H)D children. The
participants come to a.s.a-d to receive and to offer support; there are
discussions about research, diagnosis and treatment, attitudes toward ADD,
coping strategies, occasional expressions of frustration, outrage or joy, and
the occasional venting ofspleens. It was NOT formed to provide a forum for (nor
does it find useful)articles * Debating the existence of AD(H)D * Pontificating
about "lazy" parents or teachers * Debating the "right" or
"wrong" of medication * Selling "alternatives" or
"cures." * Personal flames or political diatribes4) Oh, yeah? who
says? Usenet (and Altnet) operate by consensus. While there are no "laws"
governing the operation of an international entity such as the Net, there are
many established and universally accepted customs covering what is and is not
appropriate.
To learn more about these customs ("netiquette"), go to [
news.answers.newusers ] and read the many articles written to help newcomers.
Response:
I think ASAD is a good forum or site that people can go to to let out their concerns to others affected by the same disorder. Like he states at the end of the page, this isn't for debating or selling or etc. It is just to help. I think that is appropriate considering it probably isn't useful or helpful to debate and argue over something as serious as a disorder. I do think that people should be careful when reading sites like this, though, because it clearly states in the beginning that is isn't to be used to diagnose or suggest treatments. People need to be aware of that.
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Can a Diagnosis Be Trusted?
ADHD a farce?
Date: 1999/04/20
Ê
I have never been interested in NewsGroups before but have recently taken my 8 year hold to see a Pediatric Neuropsychologist. He specializes and sees only children and although we have about 4 hours of neurological, psychological and educational testing (we also believe he is "gifted"), the Dr. is betting that my son has ADHD. My husband and I have been monitoring our sons "behavior" problems since he turned 5. He at first started to have talking out of turn problems, then singing and humming in class, then tapping pencils, scribbling on papers, bothering the other children. This year (2nd grade) his behavior started to take a more serious turn with not completing assignments, daydreaming (excessively) and acting out at other children.
After trying a chiropractor at the urging of other parents, giving him Chinese herbal concoctions and various food alternatives, we decided to go the medical route. We hear so many conflicting stories about natural substances rather than Ritalin, behavior modification (in public school - right!), etc. Do we put him in a 5 to 1 private school so he can do well? Does this prepare him for life outside of school - boy scouts, church school, sports, etc? Where do we turn for legitimate advice? We felt very comfortable with this Dr. who also heads up the Child Development Center at a large, local hospitable. Can we trust him? Help - can some parents who are where we are respond? Thanks
Response:
I think it was right of this parent to disclose her concerns for other people to give their advice or opinion. Diagnosing a child with a disorder requires a huge amount of ability, and is a huge responsibility in itself. I hope all doctors take that into consideration. It must be hard for a parent to take the advice of only one doctor. Second opinions are always good, in my opinion. Also, instinct (especially on the mother's part - you know woman's instinct) should play a big part on whether or not you should trust a certain doctor or diagnosis. This woman seems to be getting all kinds of advice from all directions. She seems to trust this doctor as being very credible. I don't know what I would do in her case, but I would definitely ask more than one doctor, and go on my best instinct/gut feeling.
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Opposing Parents
Date: 1999/04/20
My stepson (6 years old) was recently diagnosed having ADHD by a small town doctor where he and his bio-mom live. My husband and I are not sure yet what what to do and we want to thoroughly investigate all options (ie, medication, diet, environment, natural remedies, etc.). We also want to have him re-evaluted by a neurology specialist at the Children's Hospital in our area, which we are in the process of doing. I know that there will be a problem if what we feel is best for him and what the BM feels is best are different. So, for example, if she decides to use Ritalin and we are opposed to it, since she is the custodial parent and we only have every other weekend with him, he will end up getting Ritalin for a majority of the time. Does anyone know what recourse, if any, we have from preventing her from dictating the course of action? Thanks, Maddy
Response:
This is such a difficult subject. How do you tell one mother (especially when you are the step mother) how to raise her own child? She may end up making decisions based on how angry she feels, or out of spite. That is something I wouldn't want to do if I were the step mom. She really does seem to care about her step child, though. But in my opinion, sometimes even though you feel something is wrong, you don't really have control over what actions are taken. Especially in this case, if the biological mother is the legal guardian, or has primary custody of her child, what is there to do? I know this woman is searching for an answer, but without making things more complicated, I don't believe there is a solution.
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Meds: Good or Bad?
Date: 1999/04/17
Hi everyone, I've got into a bit of an 'argy bargy' with someone on one of the other lists about medication for ADD. Unfortunately I have lost the postings so I cannot quote, but the crux of the matter is they are saying that medication "causes brain damage" and turns people into "hideous wrecks" or something when older. Oh and "cutting out chocolate curing ADHD" As I cannot understand this PRO and ANTI medication thing which always has to come into this (surely as parents and sufferers we should be allies, sticking together to find workable solutions to our problems.... by using WHATEVER methods?) I would like to hear people's views on this evangelical hatred of medication and the parents (who are also HATED by these peopele) who administer it to their children.
Apparently it was stated that there are "enough side effects to fill 24 hours" or something (I cannot recal how it was put) but ANY medication for ANY condition has side effects doesn't it? Don't we weigh up quality of life and make an informed choice? Do people on other medications for all sorts of other conditions have to put up with this slagging off from fellow sufferers every 5 minutes? I would be particulary interested in references to Ritalin causing brain damage, as I have never seen any information of this kind. Also if anybody is going to reply to this slagging me off; don't bother - my child is NOT on medication, but I would never, never, NEVER berate anyone else trying to do what they think is the best for their kids.
Response:
When it comes to the kind of treatments you would like to give your child diagnosed with some kind of disorder, the debate becomes heated, as in this case. Some parents think that meds are bad, some think they may help. But the bottom line in my opinion is that you just can't tell another parent how to raise their own children. As someone who doesn't even know the family, the opinion would not be respected. I personally would try things other than medication for my child, but if that doesn't work at first, then i would probably try medication. I wouldn't jump at the chance to put my child on meds, but I wouldn't totally rule it out. But the bottom line is just as this person states in the end of her entry, no one should berate anyone else for trying to do what is best for their children. Opinions are going to vary, bottom line.
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What a Zoo!
Date: 1999/03/18
"The Zoo" -- that's the sign that should be on my house! My son (17) was recently diagnosed with ADHD. He's on Ritalin and we do see an improvement (fingers crossed!). My other son (14) was diagnosed a little over a year ago, although I listened to the Principal of the school as she dismissed this diagnosis as a "fad" and that my son was just lazy. Being rather ignorant to all this, I believed her and my 14 year old is still not receiving help and is still strugling. As my husband and I were going through the process of diagnosis with my 17 year old, it came to light that I too probably suffer from this. In talking to the therapist and psychiatrist, my husband begged me to get help. I just thought I was forgetful, stupid, lazy, incompetent, etc. I didn't realize that my life-long problem had a name and that I didn't have to live like this. I felt like I wanted to jump for joy that there was possibly help for me out there.
I have just started the process of getting help for myself and can only hope that my life will be a little "easier" someday. I will seek help for my 14 year old as soon as I can pull myself together a bit. It's like crisis management in this house -- whoever is in more trouble gets the attention first! You can imagine what a zoo my life must be like being ADHD myself and having two teenage boys with ADHD. All I can say is, my husband must be a saint! Thank goodness we all have a sense of humor! Are there any books out there on parents with ADHD helping children with ADHD? The guilt I am now experiencing of my passing this on to my children, and the guilt of all 3 of us having a "mental condition", not to mention my strugling for some sort of level of competency, is overwhelming. I would appreciate any information you can give me. Thanks.Lorie
Response:
This poor woman sounds desperate. She also seems relieved to give a title/name to what has been causing her to act in certain ways. That is fine for her, if that makes her happy to now have a title. But for the moment, it doesn't change anything. I guess all it really does is either send her on the right track for treatment, which is the preferred outcome of giving a title/name/diagnosis to a person or it could just give her an excuse as to why she acts that way, which is not a preferred outcome. So I don't think she should be so relieved to find out she has a disorder. I think she should be relieved once she can get better.
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