Dr. G...?

Dr. G: what made you become a psychiatrist?

A: To become a psychiatrist, one first needs to go to medical school. I chose to become a doctor in part because at the age of 20 my life was saved by doctors (see this week’s video #3). Also, I felt that the study of medicine, of the human brain and body, was essentially the study of G-d’s creation and that excited me. Finally, my parents raised me with a desire to do work that directly helps others.

As for the specific field of psychiatry, I have always been fascinated with the human journey, with the specifics of what people think about and what they do.

Quite simply, I found psychiatry to be the field of medicine where science intersects with spirituality in a most revealed way.

While others in medical school seemed to be captivated by peering into a microscope or looking into a child’s ear, my passion was - and remains - the human psyche and soul.

Beautiful Minds

Dear Dr. Guterson: I have a friend who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia. I’m so concerned and scared. I’m wondering if she’ll ever get better. A: You are certainly a very good friend indeed. How heart breaking it is to observe someone as their life begins to fall apart. First, always question the diagnosis. For example, I have seen many a hospital patient who became psychotic due to marijuana use or other drugs - and over time, the vast majority of them come out of it. Issues like oxygen deprivation and urinary tract infections can induce delusional thinking - which will go away with correct treatment. Next, a physician’s work is to do his or her utmost to help those who are suffering. A physician cannot and should not predict the future. For example, a physician should never say: “based on your condition and diagnose, you have four months to live.” I know there are some people who say they want to know the future so they can gauge how to live now, but no one knows the future. Only G-d knows. All sorts of things, unexpected things, can happen and do happen that can change the course of time. The famous movies “A Beautiful Mind” and “Shine” depicted brilliant persons who developed schizophrenia and did not return to their optimal level of functioning. This is usually the case with schizophrenia. Medications can certainly help tremendously, reducing the intensity of hallucinations and delusions and lack of self care. As can a calm and loving environment. What I have most found with people who have schizophrenia is a refreshing ability to love others and an open mind to spirituality. Every person is a blessing and we cannot understand why some have more difficult journeys than others. Your friend is lucky to have you, and you are lucky to have her. Stay by her side, as I’m sure you will, and your own life will continue to be a blessing. ...

"We Can ALWAYS Recover"

Dr. Guterson: the other day I saw a quote that went like this: “Four things you can’t recover - The stone after the throw The word after it’s said The occasion after it’s missed The time after it’s gone.” Any thoughts? Answer: first, thank you for this powerful quote. My thoughts, however, are that recovery is possible. It’s always possible. We all have done things or missed opportunities that we regret, that we feel guilty about. Too many people wallow in their guilt. Then the guilt becomes a form of self involvement. I remember a line from a movie: “Guilt is a great thing”, meaning we can use our guilt as an impetus to make us into a better person. Then the negative becomes a positive. Then we become free and unburdened and happier. So, yes, it’s a nice quote - but one can recover.