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Sorry, I thought I sent this last week when I read your introduction I believe that those who would seek psychiatric or psychological help without PD would do so with PD. Its the same market, and these days, such decisions are often made on economic grounds. I don't believe there are many insurance policies (including Medicare) which will pay much for psychiatric help for PWP. They used to, but no more. However, for what it is worth, I think there is a need for a psychologist with PD expertise and interest (just as I have sought out a opthamologist with PD experience and now a gastroenterologist (sp?)). The problems are a little different. Good luck -- and I hope you will keep involved with the List. Your insight will be helpful. Nancy Shlaes Tim Hodgens wrote: > 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