 |
 |
I have been lurking on this list for the past month or so and now want to introduce myself. I am a psychologist in central Massachusetts with an interest in developing a subspecialty in working with people with Parkinson's Disease. I do not have PD but suspect that my father may have had it before he died a number of years ago. My interest started several years ago when I came across a patient in a nursing home with advanced PD. Pardon me for being direct, but her "expression" (or lack thereof) freightened me considerably. Then several months ago I was asked to see a woman who had been referred for short term rehabilitation for a balance problem. She had been diagnosed as suffering from depression and her family had become very impatient and almost abusive towards her because she "would become obstinent and not do for herself." They felt that since she could do for herself at sometimes and not at others that it was a reflection of her negativity. Isn't it ironic that I was "happy" to diagnose her as having Parkinson's Disease.! But in fact it was a good development in the overall situation. She started sinemet soon afterwards and there was some good "movement" started both in the patient and the family as they started to learn more about PD. The first person froze my mind in inactivity; the second brought movement back into it. Funny how these things work isn't it. A few months ago I spoke at the Worcester PD support group. One of the men shared your address and listening in has added a whole different dimension to my understanding and "appreciation" of Parkinson's Disease. The level of caring and sharing is outstanding. The volume is mail is daunting. Barb Malut said "now don't be shy and jump right in" and that's what's happening now. Hopefully I will be able to "add value" as they say and can balance things by giving as much as I take...and I have already taken much from this group. Another thing that impresses me about this group is the level of committment which some of you have to becoming active researchers. I will keep my involvement non-commercial since that is the obvious essence of this group. However, may I ask a question about "the market?" Do you think that PWP's would go to a psychologist/psychotherapist/behavioural health specialist for management of stress/anxiety/panic/depression/despair, etc associated with having PD? I hope the question does not step over the bounds. I ask the question because I do not know of a single therapist who offers these services as part or whole of their practise. I am sure they are there but I do not know any of them. Is it because no one identifies the group - visibility factor mentioned recently on the list? Or because ... BTW, I am giving a brief talk on PD at a Health and Wellness seminar at Easton-Lincoln nursing home in Easton, MA on June 30 if someone wants to put that in the calendar. More Later Tim Hodgens, Ph.D. Westborough, MA