Research work · 2018
Psychiatry and Patienthood
Women's Voices in Psychiatry
Abstract
This chapter describes some of the author’s experiences as a psychiatrist and, simultaneously, a patient with a diagnosis of bipolar affective disorder, and how each influenced the other. This personal story is used as a framework to inform on relevant topics: working in psychiatry; treatments for depression including electroconvulsive therapy, antidepressant medication, psychotherapies, and support groups; classification of affective disorders; doctors’ mental health; services for sick doctors; recovery; and retirement, at a level designed to inform those considering a possible career in the field of mental health. The current person-centred approach to formulation and management is compared favourably with the ‘medical model’ hitherto widely in use. The ‘recovery’ paradigm is outlined, including its application in the United Kingdom.