Bipolar disorder? Delusions? Possession by evil spirits?
Dear Doctor,
Thank you very much for taking the time to read this lengthy letter amidst your busy schedule.
I am at a loss as to what to do.
My girlfriend of six years, who is now 24 years old, has always been a considerate, gentle, and cheerful person.
Although she is somewhat introverted, we have always communicated openly.
Her social circle is very simple, consisting mainly of me, her family, and her five cousins, with little interaction with classmates or friends from different periods.
Two years ago, after graduating from a vocational school, she started working at a large air freight company that operates across Taiwan, China, and Hong Kong.
During her first year, she was responsible for basic switchboard duties, and her dedication made everyone proud and reassured.
Eight months ago, the company decided to transfer her from the switchboard to the administrative department to handle unexpected incidents, such as drafting statements for lost goods compensation.
She felt a lot of pressure because she believed her writing skills were not very fluent.
At that time, she would bring up her problems, and as her boyfriend, I felt it was my duty to help her establish a work routine.
I have a stronger personality, and she was happy to accept everything I did for her.
When it came to discussing marriage, it seemed like a natural progression.
However, two months ago, she became unusually talkative, expressing her thoughts on everything (often negative ones).
She started viewing things as complicated and dark, believing that everyone, including me, had overly simplistic thoughts.
Although we would laugh and talk, the content of our conversations became disjointed, making it difficult to grasp the main topic.
She even seemed to be engaging in hysterical monologues, with her comments often coming off as overly sensitive, leading to many arguments and unpleasant moments.
For instance, when we went to an ATM and she saw a stranger wearing work gloves, she assumed he had ulterior motives.
She constantly felt like someone was watching her and talking behind her back.
I found it strange how her mindset had changed so drastically.
Despite the unpleasantness, I knew she was under a lot of work pressure before the Lunar New Year, and I hoped things would improve afterward.
Sometimes we would reconcile, and when we went out, she would express a desire to buy this or that.
I tried to indulge her in hopes of making her happy, but despite spending a lot of money, I felt she was neither happy nor grateful, and I was unhappy as well.
Unexpectedly, last month, her condition worsened.
She constantly complained about lack of sleep and became reluctant to talk, losing about 3 kilograms.
I wanted to check on her and ask if there were any issues at work, but she found my concern annoying.
After speaking with her family, I discovered she was the same at home; she rejected any inquiries and even responded with harsh words.
She started going to bed late at night, whereas she used to be the first to arrive at work.
Now, she often arrives late due to oversleeping.
After communicating with her supervisors and colleagues, I learned that she was at an all-time low at work, both socially and professionally.
Since early January, she had not handled any of her responsibilities, and her work was filled with errors, causing chaos in her department.
She would yell at her colleagues and was dismissive even towards her superiors.
Her behavior led to a perception that she had violent tendencies.
At the end of last month, she was suspended from work.
That night, she went on a rampage, cursing at her family, relatives, me, and everyone she knew.
Her eyes were devoid of any warmth, and her destructive words hurt everyone who cared about her.
Since her family had never encountered such a situation, they turned to supernatural explanations and sought spiritual comfort, feeling that it would hurt their pride to seek professional help.
Now, her family is also suffering; they can't sleep well and are unable to settle down.
She has become extremely arrogant, feeling superior to her brothers and even perceiving me as a male chauvinist, telling me, "Don't think you're great just because you have money." During the day, she visits clients with a cousin who works in insurance (I haven't inquired about their interactions).
When I tried to talk to her, she told me not to bother her, threatening to hit me and throwing things at me (though she didn't actually hit me).
When I asked her several questions, I was met with a barrage of insults.
I initially believed she was my one true love, but now my spirits are at an all-time low, and work is the last thing on my mind.
I have decided to seek help from a psychiatrist today, and I have a few questions for you:
1.
Is this type of emotional disturbance caused by short-term specific factors?
2.
How long does it typically take to treat emotional disturbances?
3.
I have observed that her family does not seem to have similar cases.
If this is genetic, does it mean that there is a chance of recurrence after treatment?
4.
There is a prevalent negative perception of the quality and dedication of mental health care, with many believing that professionals merely listen to patients and prescribe medication without genuine engagement.
Are there more professional counseling avenues available in the country?
I am not a professional, so I am unsure if my questions are appropriate.
I sincerely apologize if my fourth question seems offensive.
If I didn't trust this channel, I wouldn't be sending out this plea for help.
I hope you can believe in and accept my sincerity.
Wishing you all the best—thank you!
Phillips, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2004/03/05
Dr. Chen Guangpeng reply Psychiatry
Dear Phillips,
Thank you for your detailed letter.
It has provided a clear understanding of the changes your girlfriend is experiencing, as well as the concern, anxiety, and helplessness felt by those around her—a classic depiction of the struggles faced by individuals with mental illness and their families.
Regrettably, it seems that your girlfriend may indeed be suffering from a mental disorder, potentially a case of "affective psychosis." Regarding the causes, they can be simply explained using the "stress-vulnerability model": the individual may have a predisposition to illness (possibly due to genetic factors, complications during pregnancy, or developmental injuries) and encounters physiological, psychological, or environmental stressors that trigger the symptoms of the disorder.
As for treatment, if the diagnosis is accurate and the medication is appropriate, significant improvement can typically be observed within about two months, with a complete treatment course lasting at least six months or more.
The likelihood of relapse involves various factors, as a predisposition implies a risk of recurrence; thus, the thoroughness of treatment in addressing stress management skills is also crucial.
The validity and reliability of mental health diagnoses have always faced scrutiny, and this remains a goal for professionals in the field.
Even when observing a patient's symptoms at a given moment, we must also consider the longitudinal changes over time.
While it may not be possible to confirm a diagnosis through a blood test or imaging, current psychological assessments can provide a certain level of diagnostic support.
Additionally, some advanced instruments can differentiate between healthy and diseased brains, although they are prohibitively expensive and primarily used for research purposes.
Regarding the quality and dedication of treatment, reaching a satisfactory consensus can be challenging when there is a lack of complete mutual trust.
Finding a professional institution should not be difficult; a medical center should be able to meet your needs.
Mental illness rarely leads to death (aside from suicide or homicide); rather, it consumes surrounding resources, including familial, friendly, and interpersonal relationships.
Over time, it can also lead to cognitive decline and functional impairments.
It is advisable to seek medical attention sooner rather than later.
(I trust you have done considerable research and are mentally prepared for this.)
Best regards.
Reply Date: 2004/03/05
More Info
Thank you for sharing your concerns and experiences regarding your girlfriend's emotional disturbances. It sounds like you are in a challenging situation, and it's commendable that you are seeking help and understanding for both her and yourself. Let's address your questions and provide some insights into emotional disturbances and mental health.
1. Are emotional disturbances caused by short-term specific factors?
Emotional disturbances can indeed be triggered by specific events or stressors, such as job changes, relationship issues, or significant life transitions. In your girlfriend's case, the pressure of a new job role, coupled with her existing personality traits and possibly underlying mental health conditions, may have contributed to her current emotional state. It's important to recognize that while external factors can initiate emotional disturbances, they may also reveal deeper, pre-existing vulnerabilities that need to be addressed.
2. How long does it take to heal from emotional disturbances?
The duration of recovery from emotional disturbances varies significantly from person to person. Factors influencing recovery include the severity of the symptoms, the individual's support system, their willingness to engage in treatment, and the presence of any underlying mental health conditions. Some individuals may see improvement within weeks, while others may require months of therapy and support. Consistent follow-up with mental health professionals is crucial for monitoring progress and adjusting treatment plans as necessary.
3. Is there a risk of recurrence if there is no family history of similar cases?
While a family history of mental health issues can increase the likelihood of similar problems arising, it is not the sole determinant. Emotional disturbances can occur in individuals without a family history due to various factors, including environmental stressors, personal experiences, and biological predispositions. Even if your girlfriend's family does not have a documented history of similar issues, it is still possible for her to experience emotional disturbances. After treatment, there is always a risk of recurrence, especially if the underlying causes are not adequately addressed. Ongoing support and coping strategies can help mitigate this risk.
4. Concerns about the quality of mental health care and seeking professional help:
It's understandable to have concerns about the quality of mental health care, especially given the stigma that often surrounds mental health issues. However, many mental health professionals are dedicated to providing comprehensive care that goes beyond simply prescribing medication. In your area, you may find various resources, including licensed therapists, psychologists, and counselors who can offer talk therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), or other evidence-based treatments. It may be beneficial to seek recommendations from trusted sources or look for professionals who specialize in the specific issues your girlfriend is facing.
In conclusion, it is crucial for your girlfriend to seek professional help, as you have already decided to do. Encourage her to engage with a mental health professional who can provide a thorough assessment and develop a tailored treatment plan. Additionally, as her partner, it’s important to maintain open communication, offer support, and encourage her to express her feelings without judgment. Remember to take care of your own mental health as well, as supporting someone with emotional disturbances can be taxing. Seeking support for yourself, whether through friends, family, or a counselor, can provide you with the tools to navigate this challenging situation together. Thank you for your thoughtful questions, and I wish you both the best on this journey toward healing and understanding.
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